Modi congratulates Gotabaya on completing one year in office

BY S VENKAT NARAYAN    
Our Special Correspondent 

NEW DELHI, November 23: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the first anniversary of assumption of office.

 Modi noted that the India-Sri Lanka relationship has expanded into new areas and was strengthened in the past one year.

 In his letter, he underlined that the strong collaboration between the two countries in the midst of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic symbolized the friendly ties between the two peoples.

Modi reiterated India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s fight against the COVID 19 pandemic as well as in Sri Lanka’s development priorities. He also expressed confidence that under the decisive leadership of President Rajapaksa, full potential of the bilateral relationship will be realized.

 He wished the President success in the tenure ahead and looked forward to continued close cooperation.

 The congratulatory letter is in continuation of regular interactions between India and Sri

Lanka at the leadership level, which has resulted into significant strides in the field of

development cooperation, trade and economic ties, people to people contacts despite

the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.