Jaishankar seeks non-derailment of India-funded projects under incoming government

Colombo, June 21 (Daily Mirror) - With the prospect of elections in Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reportedly said in his meetings here that it is important that India-funded projects such as renewable energy projects are not derailed by any incoming government.

In addition to his formal courtesy calls, one one-on-one meeting and bilateral discussions with the government leaders, he held talks with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, accompanied by his son Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa separately.

In his meetings, he particularly mentioned the renewable energy projects including the solar projects, the grid connectivity project and the proposed petroleum pipeline between India and Sri Lanka. He stressed the need to ensure that these projects continue under any incoming government after the upcoming presidential election.

According to an informed source, the Indian Minister cited these projects as beneficial to Sri Lanka’s economic progress. Referring to the proposed petroleum pipeline, he said India had executed similar projects with Nepal and Bangladesh and would like Sri Lanka to be part of such connectivity. He called on the implementation of the Adani power projects saying it would benefit Sri Lanka.

The presidential election is scheduled to be concluded on a day between September 17 and October 17, this year in terms of the Constitution.

The External Affairs Minister, at the meeting with Mr. Premadasa and his team, said he was happy to undertake the visit to Sri Lanka as his first in the region after becoming the minister again.

Mr. Premadasa is reported to have informed the Indian Minister he believes relations with India as crucial and pledged to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in full. The Indian Minister hailed the stand taken by Mr. Premadasa, and said it would be important for Sri Lanka to resolve the matter permanently rather than prevaricating.