New Delhi, Feb 7 (Agency) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris on Monday held talks focusing on economic and investment initiatives to boost Colombo’s economy, as well as on the fishermen issue. The EAM said in a series of tweets that the two sides focused on additional steps to boost Sri Lanka’s energy security, and recognized the importance of boosting tourism in Sri Lanka. “Productive talks with Sri Lankan FM G.L. Peiris. “Discussed economic and investment initiatives that will strengthen Sri Lanka at this time. “Also focused on additional steps to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security. “Exchanged views on the fishermen issue and agreed that bilateral mechanisms should meet early. “Recognized the importance of greater tourism for economic recovery.
Also noted the importance of P2P linkages through greater connectivity. “We will mark 75 years of our independence and diplomatic relations in a suitable way,” he tweeted. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit. He was received in Delhi by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda. He is also scheduled to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. There is talk that he may call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes as India has extended a US$ 400 million SAARC currency swap facility and deferred a US$ 515.2 million Asian Clearing Union settlement for two months. Another US$ 500 million LOC has also been extended for fuel purchases from India, to help the island nation tide over a severe forex crunch. Sri Lanka is also seeking a loan of 1 billion US dollars to overcome the country’s foreign currency crisis.