India values trust and goodwill from Sri Lanka more than short-term benefits or asset acquisitions, stated Indian Envoy Santosh Jha during an event in Colombo yesterday, where he attended the launch of two books authored by K.V. Ganesharajan.
Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, highlighted the unprecedented progress in India-Sri Lanka relations, noting that the bilateral ties have reached their highest point since both countries gained independence from colonial rule.
“India-Sri Lanka relations have come a very long way and are probably at their best in history, at least since our independence from colonial rule,” Jha remarked, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the relationship and the advancements made.
He outlined the broad scope of connectivity initiatives, which encompass energy, land, digital, and people-to-people connections, as key foundations of the bilateral relationship.
“Over a five-year horizon, you will see billions and billions of dollars coming in over the next five to ten years through this relationship into Sri Lanka,” Jha projected, highlighting the significant economic impact of the strengthened ties.
Jha also urged the legal profession to take an active role in shaping public opinion and supporting the bilateral relationship. “The legal profession, which also builds public opinion, needs to speak for it and drive it. If we remain silent, we will repeat the mistakes of the past and miss out on future opportunities,” he cautioned.
