Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santhosh Jha, has clarified that Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to India was part of a routine cultural exchange program and not an unusual occurrence.
Jha explained that the invitation extended to Dissanayake was under the Distinguished Visitor Programme conducted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, aimed at fostering cultural ties with leaders from other countries.
Speaking to Economy Next at a function in Colombo, Jha emphasized that such invitations are common for political, business, and cultural leaders from various nations. He assured that Dissanayake’s visit was not unique, as other Sri Lankan presidential candidates have also visited India in the past.
Responding to inquiries about the possibility of invitations for other presidential candidates, Jha stated that while previous candidates have visited India, they would be welcomed if they chose to visit again. He highlighted that meetings between Indian ministers and leaders of major political parties from Sri Lanka are not unusual.
