After the diplomatic error, Prachanda needed some time to mend fences with India. But in Wickremesinghe’s instance, that didn’t matter because he was focused on helping Sri Lanka out of its financial difficulties. His stay was brief (only 27 hours) and without fanfare. However, it showed Colombo’s readiness to put aside concerns about giving India access to certain of its sectors.
Source: Hindustan Times
During her meeting with Wickremesinghe, President Droupadi Murmu pledged her support. She emphasized that India had supported Sri Lanka in its time of need and would do so in the future. PM Narendra Modi had pledged to work with Sri Lanka through thick and thin just a few hours ago.
The unreserved backing from India may have convinced Sri Lanka to give up its long-standing opposition and consent to a feasibility study of constructing an oil pipeline and land bridge between the two nations.
Source: WION
The nearest port to Chennai, Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee region, was chosen by the two sides as the location for the energy and industrial hub, and it will be India’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Additionally, PM Modi stated that Sri Lanka would soon be able to use India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which would increase interest in the fintech industry. However, it remains to be seen whether Wickremesinghe can follow through on his promises given that his United National Party only has one MP in Parliament.
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