MoUs to prevent double taxation and strengthen capacity building of public officials

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on a three-day official visit to India, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday (16) and held discussions at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Hyderabad Mandir.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged before the leaders of the two countries on prevention of double taxation and capacity building for government officials.

In a joint press conference, President Dissanayake said that he is well aware of the special importance of Sri Lanka in India’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness that Mr. Dissanayake had chosen India for his first official foreign visit as the President of Sri Lanka.

The discussion also focused on strengthening Sri Lanka’s ties with India by establishing power grid connections and a multi-product petroleum pipeline. These initiatives will provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka in the areas of physical, digital and energy infrastructure, marking a new chapter in forward-looking bilateral relations.

Further, the two leaders discussed in depth the progress of India’s development cooperation projects. These include the improvement of the signaling system on the Anuradhapura railway line and support for the improvement of Kankasanthurai port.

Scholarships for 200 students from the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province are to be given monthly from next year under India’s education cooperation program. Prime Minister Modi also agreed to train 1500 Sri Lankan civil servants in India over the next five years.

In addition, India will cooperate in improving housing, renewable energy and infrastructure in Sri Lanka, besides improving the agriculture, dairy and fisheries sectors. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that Sri Lanka will never allow its territory to be used in a way that threatens the security of India and the stability of the region.

Under the Colombo Security Summit, the two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in the fields of maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, anti-trafficking, fighting organized crime, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Prime Minister Modi held a luncheon in honor of Mr. Dissanayake. In this meeting, President Dissanayake invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka.