Speaking to ANI after meeting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Premadasa described the discussions as "very constructive" and "very progressive". He highlighted India's role as a first responder during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Ditwah.
"My meeting with Rajnath Singh was very constructive, very progressive. We have a very strong relationship with India. It is a special relationship. We are very close partners," Premadasa said.
He specifically praised India's assistance to Sri Lanka during difficult periods and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently supported the island nation through its crises.
"India has always been the first responder. And Prime Minister Modi has always walked the talk. India has been the first responder in supporting Sri Lanka during Ditwah, during times of bankruptcy, and during the Corona health hazard," he said.
Premadasa said cooperation between India and Sri Lanka had expanded across development assistance, economic and commercial engagement, business, government-to-government cooperation and people-to-people ties.
"In recent times, the cooperation between our two countries in all spheres, in development aid, economic, commercial, business, people-to-people, government-to-government, non-governmental to government, in all its facets, we have had a very special relationship, a productive relationship that has fulfilled our mutual interests," he said.
The Sri Lankan Opposition Leader said Colombo wanted to deepen its relationship with India while ensuring respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of both countries.
"We hope to ensure that our relationship grows in a manner that protects each of our countries' sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, and also to ensure that we enjoy the fruits of growth," Premadasa said.
On economic ties, Premadasa said Sri Lanka wanted India to become its largest export destination and supported greater bilateral trade based on mutual interests.
"We would love to have India as our largest export destination. We promote balanced free trade. We promote trade that is of mutual interest. So we will continue on that path," he said.
Premadasa also acknowledged India's scale and experience, saying Sri Lanka had much to learn from the country's development journey.
"I think we have a lot to learn from the most populous country in the world," Premadasa said.
The remarks came after his meeting with Rajnath Singh in Colombo, where he described the India-Sri Lanka relationship as strong, productive and important for advancing mutual interests while safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of both countries. he is reported (ANI)
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