FTA with will benefit future development activities in SL, says India

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanyake and Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu in discussions yesterday 

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu yesterday said that the signing of the proposed free trade agreement between India and Sri Lanka would empower the ongoing development activities in the island.

The New High Commissioner expressed these views when he met Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake at the Ministry of Finance yesterday.

Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu told the Finance Minister during the meeting that further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka are of paramount importance for both countries. He said India expects both countries will be able to sign the proposed free trade agreement without further delay.

The High Commissioner said that the proposed free trade agreement will bring a lot of privileges to Sri Lanka and said that his country has drawn attention to further diversify the existing Indian projects in the island.

Singh said that Sri Lanka has stepped forward in its economic development endeavor and India is ready to assist Sri Lanka in its future development efforts.

Responding to the Indian High Commissioner, Karunanayake said that the assistance given by neighboring India is highly appreciated by Sri Lankans.

The Minister further said that the International community, including world’s powerful countries, has agreed to assist Sri Lanka in its future forward march in respect of the transparent foreign policy of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Arindam Bagchi was also present at the meeting.