New Delhi [India], November 5 (ANI): Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa has underscored that his country’s growth and advancement are deeply intertwined with India’s, calling for greater Indian investments to drive shared prosperity between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview with ANI during his visit to India, Premadasa praised the Indian government for its “fullest support” during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, adding that cooperation between the two countries remains vital for mutual progress.
“It is our sincere opinion that Sri Lanka’s growth process and advancement are inextricably linked with India. We already have a free trade agreement. If we improve on it, then we’ll provide Sri Lanka with a bigger opportunity and greater scope to attain high-value economic growth that results in better sources of income, a higher standard of living, and a sustainable future for our people,” Premadasa said.
He urged Indian businesses, industrialists, and investors to expand their operations in Sri Lanka, noting that the infusion of Indian capital would benefit both sides. “We welcome you with open arms because the infusion of capital—foreign and Indian—into our economy will result in prosperity, and we believe in prosperity for all,” he added.
When asked whether India is a time-tested friend of Sri Lanka, Premadasa highlighted New Delhi’s role as the single largest donor during the island nation’s 2022 financial crisis, providing crucial assistance worth around USD 4.2 billion.
“The complete breakdown of civil society due to the COVID-19 health emergency and the situation of bankruptcy in 2022—we recognise that India provided its fullest support, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India,” he said.
Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis marked its worst economic collapse since independence, with widespread shortages of essentials, depleted foreign reserves, and mass protests leading to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. During this period, India extended nearly USD 4 billion in assistance through lines of credit for fuel and food, a currency swap with the Reserve Bank of India, and deferment of payments under the Asian Clearing Union.
Premadasa, visiting India at the invitation of the Indian government, held meetings with several senior officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Speaking about his engagements, he said, “We had the opportunity of meeting a sizeable number of stakeholders who are crucial to public policy decision-making processes, and we had exchanges of ideas. We expressed our thoughts, views, and opinions on a variety of issues, and we will ensure that this visit strengthens the foundation of India–Sri Lanka relations.” (ANI)
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