PM meets Lankan Prez, seeks permanent solution to fishermen issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pitched for a permanent solution to the vexed fishermen issue during his talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. The two leaders also discussed a range of other key matters, including ways to boost trade.

Modi hosted a dinner for Sirisena over which the leaders deliberated all major bilateral issues, particularly problems being faced by Indian fishermen, status of various economic projects being implemented by India in the island nation and steps to further increase trade and investment.

Sirisena arrived here on Friday on a two-day visit. He will leave for Ujjain on Saturday to attend the Simhastha Mahakumbh and Modi will accompany him during the visit.

“The PM said that President Sirisena’s visit for the Simhastha Kumbha in Ujjain was very significant as it showed the deep civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

In the meeting, Swarup said Modi stressed on the need to develop a mechanism and find a permanent solution to the issue of fishermen straying into each other waters. Modi also appreciated Sirisena’s efforts to promote reconciliation in Sri Lanka so that all sections of the Lankan society can live with equality and dignity.

“The two leaders discussed all issues of bilateral interest,” Swarup said.