In an apparent last-minute addition to his two-day itinerary in Colombo, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan on Sunday (29), before wrapping up his visit for a trilateral discussion on maritime cooperation and security.
Colombo-based sources said that the meeting was held at India House, official residence of the Indian High Commissioner, and lasted about 30 minutes. Asked about the development, Sampanthan confirmed that the meeting took place. “Matters pertaining to the development of Sri Lanka, and the development of the north and east were discussed,” he said.
While the Indian High Commission had tweeted updates of Mr. Doval’s visit including his arrival, departure and various meetings during his stay — the trilateral talks with Sri Lankan and Maldivian counterparts, bilateral meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi and Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence Kamal Gunaratne — the official handle, until Sunday night, had no mention of the NSA’s meeting with Sampanthan.
(The Hindu)
