India Only Seeks Trust, Goodwill From Sri Lanka – Envoy

Trust and Goodwill are the factors that India seeks from Sri Lanka, instead of short term benefits and acquiring assets.

Indian Envoy Santosh Jha expressed these views in Colombo yesterday, attending the launch of two books authored by K.V. Ganesharajan.

India-Sri Lanka relations have reached unprecedented heights, according to Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the current state of bilateral ties, Jha emphasized the multifaceted nature of the relationship and the progress achieved since both nations gained independence from colonial rule.

“India-Sri Lanka relations have come a very long way and are probably at their best in history, at least since our independence from colonial rule,” Jha remarked.

He highlighted the broad scope of connectivity efforts being undertaken, which include energy, land, digital, and people-to-people connections. Jha stressed the importance of these connections as the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

“Over a five-year horizon, you will see billions and billions of dollars coming in over the next five to ten years through this relationship into Sri Lanka,” Jha projected, underscoring the significant economic impact of the strengthened ties.

Jha also called on the legal profession to play a proactive role in shaping public opinion and supporting the bilateral relationship.

“The legal profession, which also builds public opinion, needs to speak for it and drive it. If we remain silent, we will repeat the mistakes of the past and miss out on future opportunities,” he cautioned.