Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared on Monday that the country had run out of petrol amid the economic crisis sweeping the island nation.

The country has been hit by fuel and food shortages including high inflation as it struggles with a political crisis.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe warned "next couple of months will be the most difficult ones of our lives" with protesters calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation.

Sri Lanka's crisis

The nation has been struggling economically since the pandemic began two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped visiting the island due to worldwide lockdowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-proposal-to-suspend-parliament-standing-orders-defeated-479787">Also Read:&nbsp;Proposal to suspend Parliament standing orders defeated&nbsp;</a>

In the last one year&nbsp;the country has faced repeated power blackouts along with medicine shortages even as the government declared last month that it would be defaulting on its foreign debts.

Reports claim the government does not have dollars to finance oil imports even as&nbsp;the country has run out of essential drugs.

Political division:

After Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation amid large scale protests, Wickremesinghe has struggled to form a "unity government".

Watch:&nbsp;PM Ranil Wickremesinghe gives full picture of country's economic crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-gives-full-picture-of-countrys-economic-crisis-479715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country crucially does not have a finance minister even as four ministers were sworn in last week. The prime minister has called for an "economic war cabinet".

Wickremesinghe took over the reins for the sixth time as prime minister. However, there has been little sign of peace with troops patrolling the streets as people stand in queue to gather essential supplies.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared on Monday that the country had run out of petrol amid the economic crisis sweeping the island nation. The country has been hit by fuel and food shortages including high inflation as it struggles with a political crisis.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared on Monday that the country had run out of petrol amid the economic crisis sweeping the island nation. The country has been hit by fuel and food shortages including high inflation as it struggles with a political crisis. Wickremesinghe warned "next couple of months will be the most difficult ones of our lives" with protesters calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation. Sri Lanka's crisis The nation has been struggling economically since the pandemic began two years ago as foreign remittances dried up and tourists stopped visiting the island due to worldwide lockdowns. Also Read: Proposal to suspend Parliament standing orders defeated In the last one year the country has faced repeated power blackouts along with medicine shortages even as the government declared last month that it would be defaulting on its foreign debts. Reports claim the government does not have dollars to finance oil imports even as the country has run out of essential drugs. Political division: After Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's resignation amid large scale protests, Wickremesinghe has struggled to form a "unity government". Watch: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe gives full picture of country's economic crisis The country crucially does not have a finance minister even as four ministers were sworn in last week. The prime minister has called for an "economic war cabinet". Wickremesinghe took over the reins for the sixth time as prime minister. However, there has been little sign of peace with troops patrolling the streets as people stand in queue to gather essential supplies. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sri Lanka runs out of petrol: How the island nation lost the political & economic battle

Amid large scale protests against the government over the escalating economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka's entire cabinet resigned on Sunday.

There have been widespread protests in the past few days against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa amid shortage of fuel, rising inflation and large scale power cuts which has crippled the country's economy.

On Sunday, all 25 ministers resigned with the president now set to appoint a new cabinet. President Rajapaksa&nbsp;had earlier imposed a state of emergency as protesters attempted to storm the president's house in Colombo last week. A curfew has been imposed until Monday to quell the protests and bring the situation under control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-social-media-gag-as-students-defy-curfew-to-protest-against-inflation-power-cuts-467993">Also Read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew</a>&nbsp;

Protesters came out on the streets on Sunday defying a nationwide curfew as the police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons in Kandy. The police arrested several people for breaking the curfew, however, they were released on bail later.

The government had lifted restrictions on social media after blocking Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp earlier. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka escalated as the pandemic hit the island nation two years ago, however, matters came to a head as the island nation witnessed saw steep inflation and depleting foreign reserves in the past several months.

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan government lifts social media ban amid&nbsp;ongoing unrest

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-government-lifts-social-media-ban-amid-the-ongoing-unrest-over-the-economic-crisis-468015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lawyers in the country urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to revoke a state of emergency imposed over the weekend even as the government declared the nationwide curfew would be in place till Monday. The imposition of curfew was followed by arrests around the capital Colombo as protests continued.

Amid the anti-government demonstrations, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said: "Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully - essential for democratic expression."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid large scale protests against the government over the escalating economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka's entire cabinet resigned on Sunday. There have been widespread protests in the past few days against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa amid shortage of fuel, rising inflation and large scale power cuts which has crippled the country's economy.

Amid large scale protests against the government over the escalating economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka's entire cabinet resigned on Sunday. There have been widespread protests in the past few days against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa amid shortage of fuel, rising inflation and large scale power cuts which has crippled the country's economy. On Sunday, all 25 ministers resigned with the president now set to appoint a new cabinet. President Rajapaksa had earlier imposed a state of emergency as protesters attempted to storm the president's house in Colombo last week. A curfew has been imposed until Monday to quell the protests and bring the situation under control. Also Read: Sri Lanka lifts social media gag as students defy curfew Protesters came out on the streets on Sunday defying a nationwide curfew as the police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons in Kandy. The police arrested several people for breaking the curfew, however, they were released on bail later. The government had lifted restrictions on social media after blocking Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp earlier. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka escalated as the pandemic hit the island nation two years ago, however, matters came to a head as the island nation witnessed saw steep inflation and depleting foreign reserves in the past several months. Watch: Sri Lankan government lifts social media ban amid ongoing unrest Lawyers in the country urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to revoke a state of emergency imposed over the weekend even as the government declared the nationwide curfew would be in place till Monday. The imposition of curfew was followed by arrests around the capital Colombo as protests continued. Amid the anti-government demonstrations, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said: "Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully - essential for democratic expression." (With inputs from Agencies)

Sri Lanka's cabinet resigns as protesters defy curfew

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978.

It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections.

However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President.

Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation.

"This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said.

The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-oil-tanker-fire-indian-coast-guard-douses-flames-in-accommodation-area-firefighting-on-325106">Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on</a>

"The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports.

Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished.

According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president.

In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC).

Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month.

The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka.

President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire.

Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission.

Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity.

No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President.

"Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A.

Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term.

The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers.

'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family.

It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved.

In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9. 
&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament. The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978. It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President. Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation. "This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said. The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council. Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on "The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports. Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished. According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president. In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC). Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month. The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire. Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission. Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity. No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President. "Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A. Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term. The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers. 'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family. It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved. In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Sri Lanka gazettes Constitution Amendment draft that proposes legal immunity for president

A Tamil version of the Sri Lankan national anthem was removed from the Independence Day ceremony for the first time since 2016.&nbsp;

This was concerning for many, as it reflected the government's policy for national reconciliation which marked the end of the brutal civil war against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-missing-in-ethnic-civil-war-are-dead-sri-lankan-president-rajapaksa-275604">Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam</a> (LTTE).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-announces-third-rate-cut-since-easter-bombings-to-boost-economy-277574">Sri Lanka announces third rate cut since Easter bombings to boost economy</a>

On the occasion of the 72nd National Day, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-missing-in-ethnic-civil-war-are-dead-sri-lankan-president-rajapaksa-275604">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> assured the people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-announces-third-rate-cut-since-easter-bombings-to-boost-economy-277574">Sri Lanka</a> that there will be no discrimination, despite the discriminatory exclusion of a minority community at a national celebration.&nbsp;

"As the president today, I represent the entire Sri Lankan nation irrespective of ethnicity, religion, party affiliation or other differences," the President stated.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-indian-fishermen-held-off-sri-lankan-coast-for-fishing-in-territorial-waters-277164">11 Indian fishermen held off Sri Lankan coast for fishing in territorial waters</a>

The Tamil national anthem at the Independence Day had been a part of celebrations since 2016 and was included as a means of achieving reconciliation with the Tamil minority community. It was enshrined in Sri Lanka's constitution and is a direct translation of 'Namo Namo matha' in the Sinhala language.

Though the Tamil community appreciated the symbolic gesture made by the government in 2016 of adding the Tamil version at the Independence Day celebrations, the opposition, then led by the Rajapaksas and a majority Sinhala community member, filed a fundamental rights petition against it.

Concerns are rising that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-missing-in-ethnic-civil-war-are-dead-sri-lankan-president-rajapaksa-275604">Gotabhaya Rajapaksa</a>'s remarks may be hinting at the return of a draconian rule under the Rajapaksa-duo's regime, which is marred by allegations of human rights abuses, especially against the Tamil community.

From 2005 to 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> served as President of Sri Lanka. Citing data from the UN, up to 40,000 civilians were killed by security forces during his reign, culminating in a civil war that ended with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

During his address, Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured the people that his government wished to accommodate opposing views. "I wish to fully strengthen the freedom of people to think and write freely," he said.

A Tamil version of the Sri Lankan national anthem was removed from the Independence Day ceremony for the first time since 2016. This was concerning for many, as it reflected the government's policy for national reconciliation which marked the end of the brutal civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

A Tamil version of the Sri Lankan national anthem was removed from the Independence Day ceremony for the first time since 2016. This was concerning for many, as it reflected the government's policy for national reconciliation which marked the end of the brutal civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Also read: Sri Lanka announces third rate cut since Easter bombings to boost economy On the occasion of the 72nd National Day, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured the people of Sri Lanka that there will be no discrimination, despite the discriminatory exclusion of a minority community at a national celebration. "As the president today, I represent the entire Sri Lankan nation irrespective of ethnicity, religion, party affiliation or other differences," the President stated. Also read: 11 Indian fishermen held off Sri Lankan coast for fishing in territorial waters The Tamil national anthem at the Independence Day had been a part of celebrations since 2016 and was included as a means of achieving reconciliation with the Tamil minority community. It was enshrined in Sri Lanka's constitution and is a direct translation of 'Namo Namo matha' in the Sinhala language. Though the Tamil community appreciated the symbolic gesture made by the government in 2016 of adding the Tamil version at the Independence Day celebrations, the opposition, then led by the Rajapaksas and a majority Sinhala community member, filed a fundamental rights petition against it. Concerns are rising that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's remarks may be hinting at the return of a draconian rule under the Rajapaksa-duo's regime, which is marred by allegations of human rights abuses, especially against the Tamil community. From 2005 to 2015, Mahinda Rajapaksa served as President of Sri Lanka. Citing data from the UN, up to 40,000 civilians were killed by security forces during his reign, culminating in a civil war that ended with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009. During his address, Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured the people that his government wished to accommodate opposing views. "I wish to fully strengthen the freedom of people to think and write freely," he said.

Tamil version of national anthem removed from Sri Lanka's Independence day celebrations, 3 years after being introduced

Sri Lanka <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-meets-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-265180">President Gotabaya </a>Rajapaksa&nbsp;&nbsp;met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country."

"Sri Lanka and India share a strong bond. We give priority to our relations with Sri Lanka under our 'Neighbourhood First' policy," PM Modi said.

Under the Indian housing project, 46,000 houses has&nbsp;already been made in Sri Lanka with 14,000 houses being further made for people of Tamil origin. India has also extended $100 million credit line for solar projects.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-prez-gotabaya-rajapaksa-receives-ceremonial-welcome-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-265187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We exchanged our views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me of his inclusive political point of view on ethnic harmony," PM Modi said.

"I believe the Sri Lanka government will take forward procedure of reconciliation to fulfil ambitions of equality, justice, peace &amp; respect of Tamils," the Indian prime minister added.

&nbsp;Earlier, PM Modi and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a closed-door meeting in which they discussed over twenty community projects, including the issue of Indian fishermen. PM Modi announced a $400 million line&nbsp;of credit to the island nation which included $50 million to fight terror.

The Lankan president said his country would work with India to strengthen ties.

"Will work to make the Indian Ocean peaceful,"&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa said while issuing the joint statement.

The newly elected president had earlier met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa&nbsp;later met India's national security adviser Ajit Doval.

During&nbsp;the day, the Sri Lankan president was accorded a ceremonial welcome with President Kovind and PM Modi present during the ceremony.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries. Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met PM Modi at Hyderabad House today as the two leaders sought to further bilateral relations between the two countries. Addressing a joint press briefing, PM Modi said, "A strong Sri Lanka is not only in the interest of India but that of the entire Indian Ocean region," adding, "the mandate was given to you (Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa) is the expression of the ambitions of the people of Sri Lanka for a strong country." "Sri Lanka and India share a strong bond. We give priority to our relations with Sri Lanka under our 'Neighbourhood First' policy," PM Modi said. Under the Indian housing project, 46,000 houses has already been made in Sri Lanka with 14,000 houses being further made for people of Tamil origin. India has also extended $100 million credit line for solar projects. Watch Video: "We exchanged our views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me of his inclusive political point of view on ethnic harmony," PM Modi said. "I believe the Sri Lanka government will take forward procedure of reconciliation to fulfil ambitions of equality, justice, peace & respect of Tamils," the Indian prime minister added. Earlier, PM Modi and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a closed-door meeting in which they discussed over twenty community projects, including the issue of Indian fishermen. PM Modi announced a $400 million line of credit to the island nation which included $50 million to fight terror. The Lankan president said his country would work with India to strengthen ties. "Will work to make the Indian Ocean peaceful," Gotabaya Rajapaksa said while issuing the joint statement. The newly elected president had earlier met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Gotabaya Rajapaksa later met India's national security adviser Ajit Doval. During the day, the Sri Lankan president was accorded a ceremonial welcome with President Kovind and PM Modi present during the ceremony.

Will work together with India, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in joint statement with PM Modi

Sri Lanka's Newly Elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Will Visit India On November 29

Gravitas: Sri Lanka's new president to visit India