Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the Ministry of Finance in a press release. During her visit, Sitharaman played a significant role as the guest of honor at the 'NAAM 200' event, which was organized by the Sri Lankan government to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of India-origin Tamils (IOTS) to Sri Lanka.

The event took place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo on November 2. Her participation in the event marked an important aspect of her visit to Sri Lanka, reinforcing the bilateral ties and historical connections between the two nations.

The Finance Minister inaugurated a branch of the State Bank of India and acknowledged the bank's significant role in supporting corporate entities engaged in international trade. As part of her three-day visit to the country, Sitharaman commenced her day by paying a visit to the principal Hindu Temple located in the diverse and multi-ethnic city, Anuradhapura. She paid her respects at the temple before proceeding to officially open a branch of the State Bank of India in Trincomalee. This event reflects her active engagement during the visit and her appreciation of the bank's contributions.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman, along with senior leaders from various political parties and numerous dignitaries attended the "NAAM 200" event. Representatives from Indian political parties and a member from the Malaysian Tamil Congress were also present, as indicated by the Ministry of Finance press release.

During her visit, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered an address at the India-Sri Lanka Business Summit. The summit revolved around the theme of 'Enhancing Connectivity: Partnering for Prosperity.' This event was jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Colombo on November 2. Sitharaman's participation in this summit underscored the significance of fostering economic partnerships and connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

Amid the economic turmoil in Sri Lanka, SBI's operations in the country facilitated the seamless extension of India's Line of Credit amounting to USD 1 billion to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, SBI Sri Lanka maintains its pivotal role in providing critical support to corporate entities engaged in international trade.

As part of her visit, Sitharaman engaged in meetings with Ranil Wickremesinghe and Dinesh Gunawardena. During her stay, she witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the solar electrification of religious sites in Sri Lanka, as outlined in the Ministry of Finance press release.

The Ministry of Finance specified in its press release that the Union Finance Minister observed the signing of the MoU for solar electrification at religious sites in Sri Lanka. India has allocated Rs 82.40 crores out of the GOI grant assistance of Rs 107.47 crores earmarked for the promotion of Buddhist ties. This initiative reflects the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in fostering cultural and religious connections.

Image source: ANI