President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to hold separate meetings next week with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji, as Sri Lanka begins its recovery from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
According to a senior government source, while discussions with the two high-level visitors will focus primarily on the recent natural disaster, they will also cover broader issues including the economy, bilateral relations, and regional developments.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due to arrive tomorrow, accompanied by a high-profile delegation. He is expected to meet President Dissanayake the following day. During the visit, Mr. Jaishankar will convey a personal message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The discussions will cover several areas of cooperation, including the strengthening of economic ties. The President will also convey the appreciation of the government and the people for India’s assistance during this difficult period,” the source said.
Meanwhile, senior Chinese official Zhao Leji and his delegation are scheduled to arrive in the country on Tuesday and meet President Dissanayake later the same day. Mr. Zhao, who is the third-highest-ranking leader in the Chinese government after President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, will be on a two-day official visit.
“Alongside addressing the country’s immediate needs following the cyclonic disaster, the two sides will also discuss future Chinese assistance and the further strengthening of bilateral relations,” the government source added.
In addition, the source noted that beyond the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate already approved by Parliament for cyclone relief activities, a similar amount will be required next year to support those affected by the disaster.
“Due to budgetary constraints and commitments under the IMF agreement, we have had to limit supplementary estimates for this year. However, a comparable allocation will be necessary next year as well,” the source said.
