India’s High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Gopal Bhagle said India’s assistance to Sri Lanka is not limited to economic cooperation but also to the island nation’s green development process.

Bhagle made the remarks while visiting the Seethawaka Botanical Garden here on Wednesday, at the invitation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and planted a sapling to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bhagle said, “India’s support for Sri Lanka’s green development process is well deserved. Relations between the two countries are not limited to economic cooperation.” He also reiterated India’s full support for Sri Lanka’s renewable energy promotion programme.

Gunawardena praised the bilateral ties between the two countries, saying, “India-Sri Lanka friendship is not limited to a few years. It extends over many centuries. Bilateral ties between the two countries have grown stronger every time.”

“Up until this year, India has emerged as one of the most powerful countries in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the current chair of the G20 group, has also bestowed numerous benefits on neighboring countries,” he said.

“The participation in this event of a High Commissioner from one of the most powerful countries in the world further strengthens the friendship between the two countries,” he added.

Bhagle stressed the need to promote economic partnership between the two countries and make joint efforts to create green policies to combat climate change.

It is very important to use natural resources in the development process without harming the environment,” he said.

“The history of great bilateral ties and people like the Prime Minister’s father, Minister Philip Gunawardena, who strengthened those great ties should be remembered with gratitude at this time,” he added.

The event was also attended by politicians, local councillors, Botanical Garden officials, local residents and school children.

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