Sri Lanka To Release All Indian Fishermen's Boat, Says Gotabaya Rajpaksha In Joint Presser With PM Modi

In a joint press conference with prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday, newly-elected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajpaksha announced release of all Indian fishermen's boats in Sri Lankan custody. Gotabaya, who is on his first overseas tour after becoming President, arrived in India on three-day visit on Thursday. Earlier, he met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which a range of bilateral and regional issues were discussed, officials said.

Addresing the joint press conference PM Modi said, "President Rajapaksa told me of his inclusive political point of view on ethnic harmony. I believe Sri Lanka govt will take forward procedure of reconciliation to fulfill ambitions of equality, justice, peace and respect of Tamils."

Bolstering India's stand against terrorism, PM Modi added,"India has always condemned and fought against terrorism. India is extending a $50million line of credit to Sri Lanka to fight terrorism."

In another major decision, USD 400 million line of credit is to be extended to Sri Lanka to strengthen its economy. Under Indian housing project, 46,000 houses have already been made in Sri Lanka. 14,000 houses further being made for Tamil origin people. Morever, USD 100 million credit line given for solar projects.

The Sri Lankan leader was given a ceremonial welcome in the morning at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present on the occasion.

(With PTI inputs)