Visiting Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval states there is immense potential for India and Sri Lanka to further strengthen economic cooperation and it is for mutual benefit considering the aspect of complementarity in bilateral ties.
He further said India wanted to further expand cooperation with Sri Lanka and sought Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s views on priority requirements.
Ajit Doval said in the long run, Sri Lanka could generate more power than its domestic requirement, sell excess power to India and gain huge financial benefits.
He pointed out that Bhutan is selling large amounts of hydropower-generated electricity to India and it is the largest revenue of that country.
According to the PM’s Office, Ajit Doval made the statement when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunwardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo yesterday.
During the meeting, PM Dinesh Gunawardena thanked India for supporting large-scale and small-scale alternative energy projects.
He said that the government has taken steps to amend the Ceylon Electricity Board regulations to facilitate private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution, and Indian investments could be increased in solar and wind power projects.
PM Gunawardena said Sri Lanka’s Theravada economic policy is based on the economic practices in India 25 centuries ago during the time of Gautama Buddha and it would be complementary for economic growth.
He further thanked India for providing training for armed forces members and public servants to enhance their skills and efficiency. (Newswire)
