India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, alongside Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime safety. This project, supported by a USD 6 million grant from India, includes a central facility at Navy Headquarters in Colombo, with sub-centres in Hambantota and unmanned installations along key coastal points. During the ceremony, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regards and discussed avenues to bolster bilateral cooperation in sectors ranging from power and energy to digital technology and tourism.
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- Commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo.
- Project funded by a USD 6 million grant from India.
- Central facility at Navy Headquarters with sub-centres in Hambantota.
- Unmanned installations in Galle, Arugambay, and Trincomalee.
- Discussions on enhancing India-Sri Lanka cooperation in multiple sectors.
- Emphasis on power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, and aviation.
- Commitment to strengthen ties under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
- Virtual plaque unveiling for housing projects benefiting communities in Kandy, N’Eliya, and Matale.
- Review of progress on Indian-funded projects in Sri Lanka.
- Preparation for upcoming visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
