S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister on his visit to Sri Lanka, met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday. Both leaders jointly commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre built with a $60 lakh Indian grant.
As per the Media Division of the President, the two leaders met at the Sri Lankan President’s House to discuss bilateral cooperation. They explored areas such as power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital technology, health, food security, education, and tourism.
During their meeting, they jointly unveiled the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Lanka, funded by a $60 lakh grant from India. The MRCC includes a Navy Headquarters in Colombo, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and unmanned installations at various locations.
“Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes @RW_UNP,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
(MRCC) and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOl housing schemes. @RW_UNP
?? ?? pic.twitter.com/dvQEz8jFxs— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 20, 2024
Additionally, Jaishankar is expected to review ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka and discuss preliminary arrangements for Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the island.
He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during his visit to the island nation.
Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, emphasizing friendly relations with neighbouring countries and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
