New Delhi: Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda said India acted quickly during the economic crisis in the island nation and helped the neighbouring country with $3.9 billion.
“India acted quickly during the Sri Lanka crisis & helped us with $3.9 BN. We might not have got financial aid this quickly if India hadn’t helped. India also played a key part in getting support for Sri Lanka,” news agency ANI quoted Moragoda as saying.
Speaking on the occasion of 75th independence of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner said the ties between the island nation and India goes back to 1,000 years and the first representative was sent to India 80 years back.
“India-Sri Lanka ties go back 1000 years. The first representative from Sri Lanka to India was sent 80 years ago. Formal ties started 75 years ago. It is a civilised relationship. Our destiny is tied together,” he said.
“India’s security is our security and our security is India’s. We have to look after our neighbourhood. We have large number of ships coming in from India. Irrespective of what the threat is, we need to protect each other,” Moragoda said.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a formal invitation to Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe to visit India and he hopes the President is will be able to come to India soon.
Speaking on the recovery strategy of trade, Moragoda said they are mulling the possibility of using the RuPay mechanism so it will be easy for Indian tourists coming to Sri Lanka.
“Jaffna Cultural Centre opening is a very symbolic act by India. I am happy, it is one of the beautiful buildings & it stands out,” he further said.
Talking about the issue of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen, Moragoda said there are legal, environmental and ecological issues that need to be discussed and communication and trust are crucial in resolving the issues.