There cannot be any cross-border terrorism: Wickremesinghe

Expressing concern over the Uri terror attack, Sri Lanka has asserted that there cannot be any cross-border terrorism and that there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday, also briefed him on the various projects of economic cooperation underway in the Island country.

"Welcoming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to India, the President said India appreciates Wickremesinghe's role in Sri Lanka's active re-engagement with the world. Sri Lanka can count on India's continued support in its endeavour for national unity and reconciliation," a statement from Press Secretary to the President, Venu Rajamony said.
 

It said the President appreciated the Government of Sri Lanka's empathy and concern on the attack at Uri.

The terrorist attack on an army camp in Uri resulted in killing of 19 soldiers on September 18.

"He said it is essential that the two countries unite in isolating and targeting the source of ideological and financial sustenance in the region which provides shelter as well as training to terrorists. South Asia needs to develop a clear response to terrorist infrastructure in the region. There is need for unambiguous solidarity against terrorism of all forms," the statement issued today said.

The President said India shares the Government of Sri Lanka's view on prioritising power, renewable energy, ocean resources, port and airport facilities as well as infrastructure, it said.

"India has given special emphasis on meeting Sri Lanka's developmental requirements. Its aid projects in Sri Lanka have a commitment of more than 2.6 billion USD," the statement said.

The statement quoting the President said Sri Lanka occupies a special location in India's neighbourhood.

"Security of the two countries is indivisible. Objectives for regional peace and security and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean are inter-dependent and synergistic," it said.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President's sentiments and said there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia and there cannot be any cross-border terrorism, Rajamony said.

"The Sri Lankan Prime Minister briefed President Mukherjee on the various projects of economic cooperation underway and invited the President to pay a visit to Sri Lanka," it said.