PM Narendra Modi Discusses Fishermen’s Livelihood Issues with Sri Lankan President During Official Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a three-day official visit to neighboring Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. During this visit, PM Modi was honored by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with the prestigious Mithri Vibhooshan Award, recognizing his efforts to promote Indo-Lanka ties.
Speaking after the award ceremony, President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for India’s continued support, particularly highlighting the establishment of a power station in Sampur with Indian assistance. He referred to India as Sri Lanka’s “closest and most reliable friend.”
In a respectful gesture, Prime Minister Modi began his speech in Tamil, greeting the gathering with “Vanakkam.” He dedicated the award not to himself but to the people of India, emphasizing the shared bonds between the two countries.
PM Modi recalled how India had consistently stood by Sri Lanka during critical times, including the civil war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s economic crisis. He pointed out that in just the last six months, India had extended more than USD 100 million in concessional credit to Sri Lanka to help stabilize its economy.
In a significant move, PM Modi also announced that India has decided to reduce interest rates on loans provided to Sri Lanka, further easing the island nation’s financial burden. He expressed hope that the new agreements signed during this visit would pave the way for even greater economic development and cooperation.
Crucially, PM Modi stated that he had taken the opportunity to raise the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen’s livelihood challenges with President Dissanayake. He urged the immediate release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities and the return of their seized boats, emphasizing the need to resolve these humanitarian concerns in a just and timely manner.
He noted that the matter is deeply linked to the livelihood of coastal communities in southern India and called for a collaborative approach to prevent future incidents and maintain peace in the Palk Strait region.
This visit marks a renewed chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, underscored by mutual respect, economic cooperation, and an emphasis on solving long-standing regional issues through diplomacy and partnership.
