Ajit Doval in Colombo, calls on Sri Lankan PM Dinesh Gunawardena

Colombo, Aug 30 Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Colombo and said that there is immense potential for both nations to further strengthen their economic cooperation.
The Indian NSA, who is in Sri Lanka for the Colombo Security Conclave, separately met his Sri Lankan counterpart Sagala Ratnayaka.
During his call on Prime Minister Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo on August 29, Doval said India wanted to further expand cooperation with Sri Lanka and sought the Prime Minister’s views on priority requirements.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister said the energy sector is one area and thanked India for supporting the large scale and small-scale alternative energy projects, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said in a statement.
He said the government has taken steps to amend the Ceylon Electricity Board regulations to facilitate private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution and Indian investments could be increased in solar and wind power projects.
NSA Doval said in the long run Sri Lanka could generate more power than its domestic requirement and sell excess power to India and gain huge financial benefits. He pointed out that Bhutan is selling large amount of hydro power generated electricity to India and it is the largest revenue of that country.
The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka’s Theravada economic policy is based on the economic practices in India 25 centuries ago during the time of Gautama Buddha and it would be complementary for economic growth.
He thanked India for providing training for Armed forces and the public servants to enhance their skills and efficiency.
The National Security Advisor led a high-level delegation comprising High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal and senior officials Akshay Joshi, Gaurav Aluwhalia and Teja Chandan.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardene and Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira also took part in the discussion.
Ajit Doval also met his Sri Lankan counterpart Sagala Ratnayaka, who said in an X post:
“It was a privilege to welcome my Indian counterpart, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, to my Colombo residence for an insightful discussion on national security ahead of the Colombo Security Conclave. Grateful for his visit & our shared commitment to regional peace and security.”