Basil to visit India for bilateral talks with PM Modi
His will visit India in the next few days, Peiris told
reporters, adding that the schedule is being worked out jointly with the Indian
High Commission i Colombo, according to the CNN-News18.
Finance Minister Rajapaksa’s visit assumes significance in
the backdrop of negotiations sought by Colombo for an Indian credit line to pay
for the island’s fuel purchases. Last week, Sri Lanka temporarily shut down its
only oil refinery for 50 days following the non-availability of crude oil
supplies due to the ongoing severe foreign exchange crisis in the country.
Foreign Minister Peiris, however, said that Rajapaksa would
not ask for Indian loans but to enhance Indian investment. We have strong
relations with India, not just focused on one area, he said, adding that Rajapaksa
would call on Prime Minister Modi.
India has been generous with Sri Lanka’s calls for
assistance whenever the need arose in the past, Peiris said. Finance Minister
Rajapaksa is fresh from presenting his maiden budget – the 2022 budget aimed at
raising taxes while anticipating more state revenue from jacked up cigarette
and liquor retail prices.
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