Lok Sabha Question No. 3931 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-17
Subject: Agreement with Sri Lanka
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: P.R. Natarajan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3931 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.07.2019

## AGREEMENT WITH SRI LANKA

3931.SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of important agreements signed by India and Sri Lanka during each of the last three years; and
- (b) the significant outcome of bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka during the above period?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

- (a) & (b) The following Agreements were signed with Sri Lanka during the last three years:

| Sl.No     | Sl.No                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Name of the Agreement/MoU                                                                                                                                                                                   | Summary of Agreement/MoU                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2016 -Nil | 2016 -Nil                                                                                                                                                                                                   | 2016 -Nil                                                                                                                                                                                                   | 2016 -Nil                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| 2017      | 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| 1.        | MoU between Kelaniya University and ICCR for Long Term Hindi Chair                                                                                                                                          | MoU between Kelaniya University and ICCR for Long Term Hindi Chair                                                                                                                                          | The MoU was signed on 17 January 2017 in Colombo to establish long term Hindi Chair in Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka.                                                                                                           |
| 2.        | MoU for Cooperation in Economic Projects                                                                                                                                                                    | MoU for Cooperation in Economic Projects                                                                                                                                                                    | The MoU was signed on 26 April 2017 in New Delhi. It outlines the various joint projects as well as the modalities and timelines for implementation.                                                                             |
| 2018      | 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| 3.        | MoU for Cooperation in IT & Electronics                                                                                                                                                                     | MoU for Cooperation in IT & Electronics                                                                                                                                                                     | The MoU was signed on 15 January 2018 in Colombo. The purpose of the MoU is for cooperation in IT and Electronics between the countries to enhance Digital Literacy and e- governance.                                           |
| 4.        | MoU for the Establishment of a Collaborative Relationship to Combat Transnational Illegal Activities at Sea and Develop Regional Cooperation Between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. | MoU for the Establishment of a Collaborative Relationship to Combat Transnational Illegal Activities at Sea and Develop Regional Cooperation Between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. | The MoU was signed on 09 May 2018 in Colombo between the Coast Guards of India and Sri Lanka for establishment of collaborative relationship to combat transnational illegal activities at sea and develop regional cooperation. |
| 2019      | 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| 5.        | Arrangement on Gainful Occupation for Family Members of Diplomatic                                                                                                                                          | Arrangement on Gainful Occupation for Family Members of Diplomatic                                                                                                                                          | The Arrangement was signed on 05 March 2019 in Colombo. It facilitates                                                                                                                                                           |

| Mission or Consular Post   | the gainful occupation for family members of Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post of Sri Lanka and India.   |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

During the last three years, the Government has taken several steps to further strengthen the close and friendly ties with Sri Lanka. The enhanced relationship has been marked by close contacts at all levels. Various high level visits have taken place during the last three years. Trade   and   investment   have   also   grown   during   this   period.   There   is increased cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence. Both countries share a broad understanding on major issues of international   interest.   Significant   progress   in   implementation   of developmental assistance projects in Sri Lanka has helped further cement the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

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