Strengthening Ties: Sri Lanka's New Vision with India

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasizes the importance of fully implementing the vision document with India that he signed, focusing on economic collaboration. This document outlines cooperation in areas like trade, education, and energy. Wickremesinghe underscores the historical relations between the two nations and acknowledges India's assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis.

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged his successor, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to fully implement the 'vision document' crafted with India last year. This comes ahead of Dissanayake's scheduled visit to India in mid-December.

The vision document, signed by Wickremesinghe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former's India trip in July 2023, lays out areas for bilateral cooperation, notably emphasizing economic partnerships. Wickremesinghe believes that Dissanayake should prioritize these cooperative efforts.

With India's assistance during Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis still fresh in his mind, Wickremesinghe thanked Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support, which was crucial in helping the island nation navigate its financial turmoil in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)