Ali Sabry
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that his country is interested in strengthening ties with India, particularly in the fields of electricity, renewable energy, tourism, and port shipping connectivity.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mr. Sabry emphasized that India is one of the world’s fastest-developing economies.
“It is a big economy. India is growing and that growth path is very important. Together with that, the region must grow”, Mr. Sabry continued.
Mr. Sabry went on to say that Sri Lanka sees India as a huge opportunity.
“We have seen a big opportunity here, that’s the idea. I’m sure we will be able to do that and that will be better for both countries”, Mr. Sabry added.
He stated that Sri Lanka wants a good region with prosperity, peace, and harmony, and among all, we want a good and prosperous neighbor. Mr. Sabry went on to compliment India, saying, “India is going on that path. We want to go with them”.
Speaking about the current scenario in his country and India’s support, Mr. Sabry stated that it is much better than last year.
“Inflation has come down, the Rupee has stabilized, reserves have risen, and tourism has increased… It is India who provided us with various forms of assistance worth 3.9 billion”, Mr. Sabry explained.
He expressed gratitude and stated that India can proudly claim a large portion of the credit for Sri Lanka’s current success.
He was also pleased to see External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, with whom he had a brief talk about measures to deepen the India-Sri Lanka relationship.
Mr. Sabry stated, “I have invited him to visit Sri Lanka for the IORA”. He committed to do everything in his power to succeed and move the country ahead.
Last year, India supplied over 270,000 MT of fuel to Sri Lanka to assist alleviate the island country’s severe power outages.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka agreed $1 billion credit line with India for procuring food, medicines, and other necessities. The deal was signed during Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksha’s two-day visit to India by the State Bank of India (SBI) of India.
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