During his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka said in a joint statement that the island nation will not permit the use of its territory in any manner inimical to the security of India.&nbsp;

“Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India. The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sri-lanka-ties-pm-modi-president-dissanayake-discuss-defence-trade-and-chinas-growing-influence-784385">India-Sri Lanka ties: PM Modi, President Dissanayake discuss defence, trade, and China's growing influence</a>

Sri Lanka's assurance comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean with its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which raises strategic concerns for India.

After China took over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port after Colombo failed to repay its&nbsp;debt to China, it has been using the port for docking its surveillance and spy ships. Over the last two years, Beijing has stationed its 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at the port on multiple occasions, raising alarm for New Delhi due to its proximity to India’s southern coast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-unity-under-attack-post-independence-says-pm-modi-in-lok-sabha-constitution-debate-speech-783998">India is the 'mother of democracy': PM Modi marks 75th anniversary of the adoption of Indian Constitution</a>

Dissanayake&nbsp;has also shown his strong commitment to protecting Sri Lankan territory from anti-India activities in the past. Soon after his appointment as the President in October, Dissanayake&nbsp;told Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo, “Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India's security interests.”

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake&nbsp;engaged in a bilateral discussion in New Delhi, which focused on strengthening India-Sri Lankan ties in various areas, including defence, investment, and trade.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Meets Indian President Murmu, PM Modi

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The Sri Lankan President will be attending a business event in Delhi aimed at promoting commercial allegiance between the two countries. He is also expected to visit Bodh Gaya.

(With inputs from agencies)

During his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka said in a joint statement that the island nation will not permit the use of its territory in any manner inimical to the security of India.

During his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka said in a joint statement that the island nation will not permit the use of its territory in any manner inimical to the security of India. “Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India. The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi. Also read | India-Sri Lanka ties: PM Modi, President Dissanayake discuss defence, trade, and China's growing influence Sri Lanka's assurance comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean with its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which raises strategic concerns for India. After China took over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port after Colombo failed to repay its debt to China, it has been using the port for docking its surveillance and spy ships. Over the last two years, Beijing has stationed its 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at the port on multiple occasions, raising alarm for New Delhi due to its proximity to India’s southern coast. Also read | India is the 'mother of democracy': PM Modi marks 75th anniversary of the adoption of Indian Constitution Dissanayake has also shown his strong commitment to protecting Sri Lankan territory from anti-India activities in the past. Soon after his appointment as the President in October, Dissanayake told Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo, “Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India's security interests.” Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake engaged in a bilateral discussion in New Delhi, which focused on strengthening India-Sri Lankan ties in various areas, including defence, investment, and trade. Watch | Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Meets Indian President Murmu, PM Modi × The Sri Lankan President will be attending a business event in Delhi aimed at promoting commercial allegiance between the two countries. He is also expected to visit Bodh Gaya. (With inputs from agencies)

President Dissanayake assures Sri Lanka's land won’t be used against India’s security interests

New Delhi, India
During his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka said in a joint statement that the island nation will not permit the use of its territory in any manner inimical to the security of India. 
“Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India. The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sri-lanka-ties-pm-modi-president-dissanayake-discuss-defence-trade-and-chinas-growing-influence-784385">India-Sri Lanka ties: PM Modi, President Dissanayake discuss defence, trade, and China's growing influence</a>
Sri Lanka's assurance comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean with its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which raises strategic concerns for India.
After China took over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port after Colombo failed to repay its debt to China, it has been using the port for docking its surveillance and spy ships. Over the last two years, Beijing has stationed its 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at the port on multiple occasions, raising alarm for New Delhi due to its proximity to India’s southern coast.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-unity-under-attack-post-independence-says-pm-modi-in-lok-sabha-constitution-debate-speech-783998">India is the 'mother of democracy': PM Modi marks 75th anniversary of the adoption of Indian Constitution</a>
Dissanayake has also shown his strong commitment to protecting Sri Lankan territory from anti-India activities in the past. Soon after his appointment as the President in October, Dissanayake told Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo, “Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India's security interests.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake engaged in a bilateral discussion in New Delhi, which focused on strengthening India-Sri Lankan ties in various areas, including defence, investment, and trade.
Watch | Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Meets Indian President Murmu, PM Modi
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The Sri Lankan President will be attending a business event in Delhi aimed at promoting commercial allegiance between the two countries. He is also expected to visit Bodh Gaya.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's assurance comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean with its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which raises strategic concerns for India



New Delhi, India During his visit to New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka said in a joint statement that the island nation will not permit the use of its territory in any manner inimical to the security of India. “Some bilateral agreements were exchanged today and I also invite honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka. I have also given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interests of India. The cooperation of India will flourish, and I want to reassure you about our continued support for India,” Disanayaka said in a joint press conference with PM Modi in New Delhi. Also read | India-Sri Lanka ties: PM Modi, President Dissanayake discuss defence, trade, and China's growing influence Sri Lanka's assurance comes amid China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean with its 'Mission Indian Ocean', which raises strategic concerns for India. After China took over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port after Colombo failed to repay its debt to China, it has been using the port for docking its surveillance and spy ships. Over the last two years, Beijing has stationed its 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 at the port on multiple occasions, raising alarm for New Delhi due to its proximity to India’s southern coast. Also read | India is the 'mother of democracy': PM Modi marks 75th anniversary of the adoption of Indian Constitution Dissanayake has also shown his strong commitment to protecting Sri Lankan territory from anti-India activities in the past. Soon after his appointment as the President in October, Dissanayake told Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo, “Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India's security interests.” Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake engaged in a bilateral discussion in New Delhi, which focused on strengthening India-Sri Lankan ties in various areas, including defence, investment, and trade. Watch | Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Meets Indian President Murmu, PM Modi × The Sri Lankan President will be attending a business event in Delhi aimed at promoting commercial allegiance between the two countries. He is also expected to visit Bodh Gaya. (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi, India
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment.
The Sri Lankan leader arrived in Delhi on Sunday, his first foreign trip after becoming president in September.
Ahead of the talks, Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"An extensive agenda encompassing trade, investment, development and security cooperation will be discussed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X' ahead of the Modi-Dissanayake talks.
On Sunday, the Sri Lankan leader held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.
The Sri Lankan leader will also meet President Droupadi Murmu.
Dissanayake is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya.
Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-to-go-to-polls-in-late-2025-or-early-2026-announces-yunus-on-victory-day-784315" target="_blank">Bangladesh to go to polls in late 2025 or early 2026, announces Yunus</a>
"The visit of President Dissanayake to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," it said.
Issues relating to maritime security cooperation are likely to figure during Dissanayake's visit, people familiar with the matter said.
India has been expanding its overall defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China's attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang' at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.
India has been supporting various capacity-building measures of Sri Lankan defence forces, including providing indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"An extensive agenda encompassing trade, investment, development and security cooperation will be discussed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X' ahead of the Modi-Dissanayake talks.



New Delhi, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment. The Sri Lankan leader arrived in Delhi on Sunday, his first foreign trip after becoming president in September. Ahead of the talks, Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "An extensive agenda encompassing trade, investment, development and security cooperation will be discussed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X' ahead of the Modi-Dissanayake talks. On Sunday, the Sri Lankan leader held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. The Sri Lankan leader will also meet President Droupadi Murmu. Dissanayake is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya. Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. Also read: Bangladesh to go to polls in late 2025 or early 2026, announces Yunus "The visit of President Dissanayake to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," it said. Issues relating to maritime security cooperation are likely to figure during Dissanayake's visit, people familiar with the matter said. India has been expanding its overall defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China's attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean. The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang' at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka. Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year. India has been supporting various capacity-building measures of Sri Lankan defence forces, including providing indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India-Sri Lanka ties: PM Modi, President Dissanayake discuss defence, trade, and China's growing influence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held extensive talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on further shoring up India-Sri Lankan cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment. The Sri Lankan leader arrived in Delhi on Sunday, his first foreign trip after becoming president in September. Ahead of the talks, Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "An extensive agenda encompassing trade, investment, development and security cooperation will be discussed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X' ahead of the Modi-Dissanayake talks. On Sunday, the Sri Lankan leader held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. The Sri Lankan leader will also meet President Droupadi Murmu. Dissanayake is scheduled to attend a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya. Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. Also read: Bangladesh to go to polls in late 2025 or early 2026, announces Yunus "The visit of President Dissanayake to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," it said. Issues relating to maritime security cooperation are likely to figure during Dissanayake's visit, people familiar with the matter said. India has been expanding its overall defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China's attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean. The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship 'Yuan Wang' at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka. Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year. India has been supporting various capacity-building measures of Sri Lankan defence forces, including providing indigenously constructed Offshore Patrol Vessels. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week.

The leftist leader, who won the September presidential election, confirmed his interim cabinet colleagues -- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath -- would keep their portfolios.

Dissanayake's decision to call polls nearly 10 months ahead of schedule and secure legislative backing for his agenda was vindicated when his National People's Power (NPP) won 159 seats in the 225-member assembly.

The more than two-thirds majority is the biggest any party has won since the South Asian nation introduced proportional representation under a 1978 constitution.

"We must ensure that this absolute power does not corrupt us absolutely," Dissanayake told the new 22-member cabinet at a nationally televised ceremony.

"This huge power that has been given to us must be exercised with responsibility, to fulfil the aspirations of the people who had been oppressed economically and politically for too long."

The new government holds its first parliamentary sitting on Thursday.

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It is expected to prepare a budget for 2025 in line with an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured by the previous government.

Dissanayake told a visiting IMF delegation that he wanted the international lender of last resort to "maintain a balanced approach" in dealing with the bankrupt nation.

"Highlighting his government's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens," his office said in a statement.

The former government doubled taxes and removed energy subsidies in line with the IMF bailout and Dissanayake came to power promising to ease austerity measures.

The IMF team is in Colombo to review progress of the bailout loan program before releasing the next instalment of $330 million.

Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown.

The worst shortage of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel led to months of street protests that forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to temporarily flee the country and resign.

Dissanayake had campaigned on a pledge to renegotiate a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe.

But since taking office, he has resolved to maintain the existing agreement with the international lender, and has been strongly backed by the country's private sector.

The outgoing parliament was dominated by the party of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, two brothers from a powerful political clan who have both served as president.&nbsp;

Their party won just three seats.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake retained the key defence and finance portfolios in a new cabinet he announced Monday after winning the snap parliamentary elections last week. The leftist leader, who won the September presidential election, confirmed his interim cabinet colleagues -- Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath -- would keep their portfolios. Dissanayake's decision to call polls nearly 10 months ahead of schedule and secure legislative backing for his agenda was vindicated when his National People's Power (NPP) won 159 seats in the 225-member assembly. The more than two-thirds majority is the biggest any party has won since the South Asian nation introduced proportional representation under a 1978 constitution. "We must ensure that this absolute power does not corrupt us absolutely," Dissanayake told the new 22-member cabinet at a nationally televised ceremony. "This huge power that has been given to us must be exercised with responsibility, to fulfil the aspirations of the people who had been oppressed economically and politically for too long." The new government holds its first parliamentary sitting on Thursday. Also read: Russia says Biden 'risking start of World War III' with missile permission It is expected to prepare a budget for 2025 in line with an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured by the previous government. Dissanayake told a visiting IMF delegation that he wanted the international lender of last resort to "maintain a balanced approach" in dealing with the bankrupt nation. "Highlighting his government's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens," his office said in a statement. The former government doubled taxes and removed energy subsidies in line with the IMF bailout and Dissanayake came to power promising to ease austerity measures. The IMF team is in Colombo to review progress of the bailout loan program before releasing the next instalment of $330 million. Sri Lanka went to the IMF for a rescue package after the country defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 during an unprecedented economic meltdown. The worst shortage of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports of food and fuel led to months of street protests that forced then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to temporarily flee the country and resign. Dissanayake had campaigned on a pledge to renegotiate a controversial $2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe. But since taking office, he has resolved to maintain the existing agreement with the international lender, and has been strongly backed by the country's private sector. The outgoing parliament was dominated by the party of Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, two brothers from a powerful political clan who have both served as president. Their party won just three seats. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake retains defence and finance portfolios in new cabinet