NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, APR 9
President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought India’s help for policy reforms, governance, capacity building, digitalization, and public service delivery.
During the two-day visit of an Indian delegation led by the Director General of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Bharat Lal on the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government, called on the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe recently. He was accompanied by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley, Dr A P Singh, Associate Professor of NCGG and other senior diplomats of the Mission. During the meeting, President Ranil Wickremesinghe shared his vision for Sri Lanka, a strategy to address the recent economic challenges and put the country on the path of high economic growth.
- An Indian delegation led by the Director General of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Shri Bharat Lal on the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government, called on the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe recently
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model to eliminate poverty, working with speed & scale, and high economic growth has received high praise
- Sri Lankan President enlists NCGG’s assistance to set up a University of Public Policy & Governance
The discussion centered around policy reforms, good governance, digitalization, capacity building and training, institution building, and assured public service delivery. He admired the way India has managed socio-economic development and has ensured high economic growth. During the discussion, the President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged NCGG to help in establishing a University of Governance and Public Policy in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, the Director General, NCGG underscored how Narendra Modi, upon assuming the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 amid a slew of crises and negative economic growth, was able to put the state on the path of high economic growth and sustained prosperity through his vision, strategy, and progressive policies. Consequently, Gujarat has experienced double-digit economic growth over the past two decades. Thereafter, since 2014, as Prime Minister, he has introduced a new culture of citizen-centric policies and good governance, and as a result, India is witnessing high economic growth, assured public service delivery and fast improving quality of life of its citizens. To reinforce Prime Minister’s vision for good governance, which focuses on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, India is massively using digital technology and planning, execution and monitoring mechanism for time-bound implementation. In line with the Prime Minister’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ NCGG in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, is dedicated to promoting collaboration and learning among civil servants of India and neighbouring countries.
During the discussion, Sri Lankan President requested that the NCGG extend the necessary help to Sri Lanka based on India’s experience of digital governance and participatory policymaking to ensure faster socio-economic development and high economic growth. The Indian delegation met several senior civil servants of Sri Lanka, and everyone is keen to know how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new governance model to eradicate poverty, ensure high-quality services, assured public service delivery, environmental protection, inclusion & equity, transparency and accountability, and high economic growth. Sri Lanka is keen to learn policy–driven governance model of India and the massive use of digital technology in the planning, execution, and monitoring of various programmes and projects.
During a series of meeting set up by the President’s office, top civil servants expressed their appreciation for the sustained assistance that India has provided to Sri Lanka during its recent unprecedented economic crisis. DG spoke about Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘neighbourhood first’ and highlighted special relationship India – Sri Lanka have. The DG also stressed the critical role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision, as well as his emphasis on good governance, in ensuring efficient, effective, and technology-driven public service delivery. The discussions centred on the NCGG’s support for Sri Lanka in policy reforms, utilization of digital technology, capacity building, good governance, and institution building. They believed that this would aid Sri Lanka in strengthening its institutions and that the country is eager to learn and utilize India’s successful governance model to achieve high economic growth.
India –Sri Lanka Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise (SLINEX-23)
Harbour phase of ongoing @srilanka_navy – Indian Navy bilateral exercise #SLINEX-23.#INSKiltan & #INSSavitri participated in professional interactions, cultural events, joint yoga session, sports fixtures & visit of senior dignitaries & school children onboard.@IndiainSL pic.twitter.com/CUd5qIFlxy
— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) April 7, 2023
The 10th edition of IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 is scheduled at Colombo from 03 – 08 April 2023. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from 03-05 April 2023, followed by a Sea Phase from 06-08 April 2023. Indian Navy is being represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel. The Sri Lanka Navy is being represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara. Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters and Special Forces from both the sides would also participate in the exercise. The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam from 07-12 March 2022.
10th edition of Indian & Sri Lankan navies bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23. Watch the video to know more.@DefenceMinIndia@rajnathsingh@indiannavy pic.twitter.com/ZXxPVCUq9U
— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) April 7, 2023
SLINEX aims at enhancing interoperability, improving mutual understanding and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations. Professional, cultural and sporting events, as also social exchanges are planned during the harbour phase to further bolster the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between both the navies.
