India had not exerted pressure on Sri Lanka regarding any issue, including the possible activation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, said External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (13 June) at a press briefing.

Minister Peiris said, although much disinformation and fear had been whipped up over the issue prior to the Indian visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and delegation, nothing of the sort had happened.

He noted that India wants the Sri Lankan economy to move forward at a pace which the country is comfortable with and establish mechanisms it deems necessary to support the endeavour.

The Indian Government’s view articulated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is that the Indian economy should not grow in isolation but use the gains to supplement regional growth. India during the concluded visit demonstrated its resolve to be partners and friends of Sri Lanka, he added.

Minister Peiris also noted that the financial assistance India promised during the concluded visit was not commercial loans but a manifestation of the existing friendly ties between the two countries.

The Indian Government has promised financial assistance exceeding US $ 1,250 million to Sri Lanka, either as outright grants or soft loans for multiple development projects, during the concluded tour to the country by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Minister G. L. Peiris also said that the Indian Government provided both moral and material support as a gesture of goodwill and friendship, while identifying Sri Lanka’s current political/social climate as a unique opportunity to drive the country’s economy forward.

He added that both the Indian Premier and President articulating their Government’s position said that they were fully committed to help Sri Lanka, at a crucial juncture in the country’s history. The efforts at IDP resettlement too had been praised.

While congratulating President Rajapaksa on his recent electoral victories, the duo said that the political stability arising from the fact was unprecedented and a unique opportunity to develop the country as well as strengthen ties between the two neighbouring nations, Prof. Peiris added.

During deliberations the Indian Lok Sabha Opposition Leader, Sushma Swaraj too fully endorsed her Government’s support extended to Sri Lanka at the current juncture, Minister Peiris noted.

Commenting on the discussions between the Sri Lankan delegation and 21 Tamil Nadu MPs, Minister Peiris said that the President had explained to them on the current initiatives. The discussions between the Government and Tamil parties such as the EPDP and TNA and a committee been appointed to take deliberations were further explained, he added.

He said that the very fact of organizing the President’s tour as a State visit demonstrated the importance India attached to President Rajapaksa’s stature and the Government led by him.

The Sri Lankan delegation led by President Rajapaksa also met Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and other senior politicians of the Indian Government, the Minister added.