Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris today appreciated India's move to supply emergency consignments of liquid oxygen from east Indian ports, even by using Indian naval ships.

The Minister also expressed appreciation and continuous support being provided by India for combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made these remarks when High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay called on the Minister today.

Minister Peiris also appreciated the offer of US$ 15 million by the Government of India to preserve and promote Buddhist cultural sites in Sri Lanka and expressed interest in early implementation of the offer. 

"Both sides also discussed on the possibility of the early convening of the Indo-Lanka Joint Commission, which was last convened in 2016. It was agreed that the six Working Groups under the Joint Commission, covering specific subject areas under education, science & technology, tourism, trade & investment, fisheries and the power sector, should meet at the earliest feasible opportunity, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
 
"Matters relating to fisheries were also discussed and both sides agreed to search for a meaningful, pragmatic solution to the issues. Indian assistance to develop fisheries harbours in Sri Lanka was greatly appreciated.

The discussion also focused on the setting up of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants by India in Sri Lanka," the statement added.