Despite occasional differences between India and Sri Lanka, the overall relationship between the two South Asian neighbours remains stable, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported, quoting India’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ashok K Kantha.In his address to reporters, Kantha said: “We have sought to compartmentalise those differences, deal with them in as meaningful manner as possible but at the same time see if we can move ahead in all areas.”
India’s backing of the United States moved resolution against Sri Lanka at Geneva’s UN Human Rights Council in March was one such difference, he noted.
Kantha said that despite such differences, India was keen on strengthening its people to people relations with Sri Lanka, highlighting some of the projects undertaken by India in Sri Lanka.
India, much to Sri Lanka’s disappointment, voted against Sri Lanka at Geneva for two years running.
Sri Lanka is one of the major recipients of development credit given by the Government of India.
India is involved in projects for renovation of Sri Lanka’s Palaly Airport, Kankesanthurai Harbour and setting up a coal power plant in Sampur, a town in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka, as a joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka’s power entity Ceylon Electricity Board.