Sri Lanka’s new president reassures Modi over Chinese ships
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured Narendra Modi that Colombo will not allow its territory to be used in any way detrimental to India’s security interests. open image in gallery Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, right, shakes hand with Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Disanayaka after a joint press statement in New Delhi Mr Modi expressed hope for swift implementation of collaborative measures, including enhanced defence cooperation and capacity building. On the contentious issue of Chinese vessels docking in Sri Lankan ports, Mr Dissanayake reaffirmed his country’s policy of prioritising India’s security interests, a position described as a “trusted and reliable partner” in the joint statement. open image in gallery Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, left, talks with Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Disanayaka during their meeting in New Delhi Mr Modi highlighted the broader economic partnership, which will focus on “investment-led growth and connectivity” to facilitate development and reduce Sri Lanka’s debt burden.