Haven't forgotten Sri Lankan Tamil interests:Foreign Secretary Jaishankar

New Delhi: In a clear message to Sri Lankan Tamils that India had not forgotten their interests, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar met prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politicians during his three-day visit to the island nation that concluded on Monday. But New Delhi also announced it would “donate eight water bowsers and 100 metric tonnes of rice as immediate assistance” in view of the drought situation in Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Dr S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary of India, visited Sri Lanka from February 18-20, 2017 for bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan leaders. His visit is part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries. During his visit, Dr Jaishankar called on Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka and PM Ranil Wickrema-singhe. He also met minister of foreign affairs Mangala Samaraweera ...”.

The MEA further said, “Dr Jaishankar also interacted with a Tamil National Alliance delegation led by Leader of Opposition, R. Sampan-than; a delegation from Tamil Progressive Allia-nce comprising of Minister of National Co-existence Dialogue and Official Languages and others.