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Sri Lanka Looks to Gujarat Development Model: Why Modi's Legacy Matters

Sri Lanka's envoy revealed that her country has been closely watching Gujarat's development journey for years. She emphasized the shared maritime heritage between both regions as coastal nations. The discussion covered multiple sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism opportunities. A newly signed MoU between business chambers marks the beginning of enhanced economic collaboration.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Envoy Praises Gujarat Development Model Under Modi

  • Sri Lanka has monitored Gujarat's progress since Modi was Chief Minister
  • Both nations share maritime heritage with longest coastlines
  • New MoU signed between Gujarat and Ceylon Chambers of Commerce
  • Cooperation discussed in textiles, pharmaceuticals and tourism sectors
  • Sri Lanka offers its ports as gateways for Indian trade
  • Ancient historical links connect Gujarat and Sri Lanka
3 min read

Sri Lanka looked to Gujarat model of development, SL Envoy says

Sri Lankan High Commissioner reveals how Sri Lanka has followed Gujarat's development progress since Modi's tenure, highlighting maritime cooperation and new trade partnerships.

"The people of Sri Lanka actually looked to the Gujarat model of development as a model - Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner"

Ahmedabad, November 14

After meeting Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, said that Sri Lanka has looked up to Gujarat's development ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister there.

Colonne, while speaking to reporters, drew similarities between Sri Lanka and Gujarat as maritime states and nations, highlighting areas of cooperation.

"I conveyed to the Chief Minister the greetings of the President of Sri Lanka, Anurag Kumar Adishanayake, who visited India in December last year. And I also conveyed the greetings of the government and people of Sri Lanka. I explained to him that the people of Sri Lanka have been watching Gujarat and Gujarat's progress and development for long years, ever since Prime Minister Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat and that the people of Sri Lanka actually looked to the Gujarat model of development as a model," she said.

She further said that Sri Lanka has lot of interest in Gujarat.

"There has been lots of interest in Gujarat. I also told him about the ancient links between Gujarat and Sri Lanka because Gujarat has the longest coastline and both the people in Gujarat and the people in Sri Lanka are both seafaring nations. And we are maritime nations in that sense. Gujarat is a maritime state, Sri Lanka is a maritime nation. We both have deep water ports, and Sri Lanka handles a large volume of India's transhipment trade," she said.

Colonne recalled Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya's visit to India, where she offered that India can use Sri Lanka's ports as gateways to the world.

"When our Prime Minister was here last month, she emphasized that India can use Sri Lanka's ports as gateways to the world. So we discussed all this. And then we also discussed about opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, hospitality industry, tourism," she said.

Colonne said that the signing of an MoU between the parties will pave the way for greater collaboration.

"I think the areas for cooperation between Gujarat and Sri Lanka are limitless. And I told him that this morning we signed an MoU, the Ceylon Chamber of and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and that will probably be the start or the first step in a fruitful collaborative partnership between Gujarat and Sri Lanka for mutual prosperity of Gujarat and the people in Gujarat and the people in Sri Lanka," she said.

Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), organised an Interactive Meeting with the Sri Lankan Delegation on Thursday.

https://x.com/GCCIAhmedabad/status/1988990019781160981?s=20

A key highlight was the signing of an MoU between GCCI and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to promote bilateral trade, foster business collaborations and strengthen economic ties between India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Gujarat, I'm proud to see our state's development being recognized internationally. The maritime cooperation makes perfect sense given our geographical similarities. Hope this leads to more trade and job opportunities for both regions.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the cooperation, we should ensure that Gujarat's development model is adapted to Sri Lanka's unique context rather than just copied. Each country has different socio-economic challenges that need tailored solutions.
S
Sarah B
The maritime partnership is brilliant! Both regions have so much to gain from port cooperation and trade facilitation. This could really boost regional economic integration in South Asia. Great strategic move.
K
Karthik V
Pharmaceuticals and textiles - two sectors where Gujarat excels. If Sri Lanka can learn from our expertise, it could benefit both economies. The MoU signing is a positive first step toward meaningful collaboration.
N
Nisha Z
It's heartening to see stronger India-Sri Lanka ties. Our countries share so much cultural and historical connection. Economic cooperation like this only strengthens our bond as neighbors. More power to such initiatives! 🙏

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