The visit takes place a few days after EAM Jaishankar’s talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris in New York

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will pay a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from October 2 to 5, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the MEA, the Foreign Secretary is visiting at the invitation of the Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage.

Sri Lanka occupies a central place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Foreign Secretary’s visit signifies the importance both countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

“The visit of Foreign Secretary will provide an opportunity to review our bilateral ties, progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle Covid related disruptions,” the MEA said.

The visit comes just 10 days after EAM S Jaishankar and his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

Development cooperation is a major component of India’s engagement with Sri Lanka. India has been carrying out people-oriented development projects across Sri Lanka in accordance with the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka.

Under India’s development assistance, major infrastructure projects initiated in Sri Lanka include the Indian housing project; upgradation of railway line and track-laying; rehabilitation of KKS harbour; multi-speciality hospital at Dickoya; Jaffna Cultural Centre; restoration of Thiruketheeswaram Temple at Mannar; Island wide Emergency Ambulance Service and others.