A high-level roundtable dialogue, titled “Future-Ready Indo-Lanka Partnership: Dialogue for a Shared Tomorrow,” organised by the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association, was held at Parliament on Thursday (05), bringing together Members of Parliament, diplomats, and policy experts from Sri Lanka and India.
The dialogue focused on the deep-rooted and evolving partnership between the two countries, with particular emphasis on energy cooperation and maritime collaboration. The event was supported by the High Commission of India, in Colombo, with Factum serving as the Knowledge Partner.
The programme commenced with an opening address by Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Chairman of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of such engagements in fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the context of emerging regional and global challenges.
Addressing the forum, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, expressed his appreciation to the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association and Sri Lankan policymakers for organising the dialogue. He underscored the importance of investment-led growth and financing, rather than credit-oriented financing, as a key driver of sustainable economic cooperation.
The discussions were conducted in two sessions. The first session focused on Energy Partnership, featuring expert interventions by Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation and former WTO and IAS officer, and Pubudu Niroshan, Head of the CEB Transition Task Force. The session explored opportunities for energy cooperation, including energy connectivity, renewable energy generation, and new avenues for joint collaboration.
The second session focused on Maritime Cooperation, reflecting the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean. Discussions covered maritime security, sustainable cooperation in the maritime industry, Sri Lanka’s potential as a maritime hub, and related challenges. Expert insights were delivered by Dr. Chhavi Vasisht, Associate Fellow at the Chintan Research Foundation, and Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayaratne (Retd.), maritime analyst and former Sri Lanka Navy officer.
The roundtable discussions were moderated by Omar Rajarathnam, Executive Director of Factum. The dialogue also addressed future action plans of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association. Delivering the closing remarks, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardana, Secretary of the Association, expressed his appreciation to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, for their support and leadership.
from The Island https://ift.tt/KcajBHS
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