Setting the stage for improved bilateral ties, Sri Lanka Friday set free 15 Indian fishermen - a day ahead of the arrival of new Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera to India.
"All free. With release of 15 Indian fishermen today (Friday). No more Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. Arrangement being made for early return," tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin here.
The arrest and jailing of Indian fishermen has been a sore point in India-Sri Lanka relations for long under the previous Mahinda Rajapaksa government.
Samaraweera's visit will be the first high level exchange between the two countries since Maithripala Sirisena came to power Jan 8 after defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Samaraweera was extended an invite, both verbally and written, by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday, as soon as the new cabinet of President Maithripala Sirisena took charge.
His visit is expected to lay the ground work for the visit of President Sirisena to India next month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Sirisena to visit India and the new government in Colombo indicated that it would like to make India the first foreign destination of Sirisena.
He will meet Sushma Swaraj Sunday afternoon and Monday he is to call on the prime minister at his residence 7, RCR.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app