Sirisena to visit India first

The new Sri Lankan President accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit the country first

Sri Lanka's newly elected president Maithripala Sirisena (R) waves to supporters on his arrival at the Election Commission office in the capital Colombo on January 9, 2015. Maithripala Sirisena will be sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president January 9 after the strongman incumbent Mahinda Rajapakse conceded defeat in a bitterly fought election, brought down by charges of corruption and growing authoritarianism. AFP PHOTO / ISHARA S. KODIKARA

President Maithripala Sirisena will travel to New Delhi next month on his first State visit abroad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Mr. Sirisena when he called to congratulate the latter on his election victory on Friday, a political aide of the newly elected President said. Sri Lanka also plans to release “soon” 15 Indian fishermen in its custody, said Rajitha Senaratne, who is tipped to be an important member of the Sirisena Cabinet.

Sri Lanka’s relations with India are set to improve because the new government recognised the importance of having India on its side, Mr. Senaratne said at a press conference here Saturday.

He also drew parallels between the modest backgrounds of Mr. Sirisena and Mr. Modi to emphasise the point that the new government was giving top priority to its relations with India. “Mr. Modi invited our President to come to India first. Mr. Sirisena told him it would be difficult this month, and that he will go next month,” Mr. Senaratne said.

While Sri Lanka would free 15 Indian fishermen, the new government would need to take a policy decision on returning trawlers, he said.