Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has lauded India’s Neighbourhood First policy, saying it has provided crucial support and stability to South Asian nations, including Sri Lanka, particularly during times of crisis.
Delivering the keynote address at the NDTV World Summit on “Steering Change in Uncertain Times,” Amarasuriya said, “India’s rise, coupled with its inclusive approach, provides an anchor of stability. For Sri Lanka, this partnership embodies a shared belief that we achieve more and rise stronger when we rise together.”
She expressed deep gratitude for India’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, noting that India “redefined leadership” through its timely intervention. “This support is a lasting reminder that India’s help at our hour of need is remembered and deeply valued by our people,” she added.
During the 2022 crisis, India extended a $500 million Line of Credit for petroleum purchases and a $1 billion Credit Facility for essential supplies including food, medicine, and fuel.
Reflecting on her personal connection with India, Amarasuriya — who studied at Hindu College, Delhi in the 1990s — said, “Standing here in Delhi feels like coming a full circle. Returning now, I have seen India transform into a vibrant country of 1.4 billion.”
The Prime Minister, on her maiden official visit to India, met with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi earlier in the day. She described Sri Lanka’s recent journey as one of “fragility and fortitude,” citing the economic and political challenges faced after the pandemic.
She noted that Sri Lanka has now “restructured its debt and is digitising its public structure,” following clear electoral mandates aimed at building a forward-looking nation.
Looking ahead, Amarasuriya underscored the importance of strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations across multiple sectors — from trade and investment to renewable energy and maritime security. “These ties must not be seen as a zero-sum game,” she said.
Highlighting that India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, leading investor, and top source of tourism, she also pointed out that Sri Lankan firms have created 20,000 jobs in India, mainly employing rural women in Andhra Pradesh’s apparel sector.
Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka aims to become a maritime hub in the Indian Ocean, offering a cost-efficient gateway for global trade. “As India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, Sri Lanka can serve as a complementary production base, especially in textiles, electronics, and food processing,” she added.
On tourism, she said Sri Lanka is ready to offer new opportunities “from hospitality and infrastructure to creating exciting experiences for global visitors.”
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that the India–Sri Lanka partnership is built on shared progress and regional harmony, emphasizing that “we rise stronger when we rise together.”
