PM Amarasuriya seeks assistance to make Sri Lanka globally connected, regionally dynamic, and people-centric

Visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Jayasuriya said here on October 16 that the vision of the present Government is of “a Sri Lanka that is globally connected, regionally dynamic, and people-centric. A country that looks to the future with confidence.”

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN

She said so while addressing a gathering of the 99 New Delhi-based ambassadors and high commissioners concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka at a Reception hosted in her honour by Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne.

"All of you are connected with Sri Lanka through accreditation, through friendship and through shared purpose," she told them.

"I want to assure you that we value your work and that we value the partnerships that we have with each one of the countries that you so proudly represent," she said.

She told the heads of mission: "This is the moment when we need your support and assistance. It is also an opportunity for your countries to deepen engagement with Sri Lanka, and we hope that your countries will be a part of our transformative journey, investing in our shared journey and mutual prosperity." She went on: "Your countries have expertise that we need in multiple sectors. This may be in governance reform, in economic management, in technology and innovation, and other areas. Help us access technical assistance, share best practices, and work with us to connect your institutions with ours. Sri Lanka will always be a responsive and reliable partner." She said her visit to India comes at an important time for Sri Lanka. It comes on the heels of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka's visit to India in December last year - his first visit overseas since being elected President; and the visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi to Sri Lanka just four months later in April this year the first foreign leader to be received by President Dissanayaka and his Government.