Indian Investments Can Help Lanka Recover Further: Ranil Wickremesinghe

Indian loan to Sri Lanka was immensely helpful, says former Sri Lankan President, in an exclusive conversation.

- MEGHA SHARMA

In an exclusive conversation with NewsX/The Sunday Guardian in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister, and later President, Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke of India-Sri Lanka relations and Sri Lanka's path to recovery after its economic downturn.

Edited excerpts:

Q: What are your expectations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's current visit to Sri Lanka?

A: I would expect that we take the next step in ensuring a closer relationship between our two countries. The vision statement that was prepared in 2023 under my tenure laid out the framework for the same. It included connectivity and collaboration in the dairy sector. The time has come to execute the plans and make them operational.

Q: Why do you think it took so long for the projects and MOUS to become a reality—many projects including a considerable number in energy sector? A: Unfortunately, many things in Sri Lanka take a long time and sometimes delays occur on the Indian side. Prime Minister Modi has always been active and pushing it. With regard to the coal power station and other energy investments, we signed the MOUs before the Paris Climate Agreement. We also had a similar Japanese project. We offered fresh agreements for an LNG project, but India was more keen towards a solar energy project.