His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka who is in New Delhi to participate in the International Solar Alliance Summit, called on President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 10, 2018).Welcoming the Sri Lankan President to India, the President said that he has played a stellar role in Sri Lanka’s active re-engagement with the world. His leadership has been reassuring for India and the region and beyond. The President was happy to note that Sri Lanka has taken several environment friendly measures. He admired the Sri Lankan President’s vision for ensuring economic development with environment sustainability. He praised Sri Lanka’s ‘Surya Bala Sangra Maya’ initiative in the solar energy sector.The President said that relations between India and Sri Lanka are unique. They are based upon shared historical, cultural, ethnic and civilisational ties and extensive people-to-people linkages. The President was happy to note that the close political ties between the two countries have gained momentum during the past three years.The President said that India and Sri Lanka must promote greater progress in trade, commerce, connectivity and development cooperation. India shares Sri Lanka’s emphasis on areas such as power, renewable energy, ocean resources, organic agricultural practices, port and airport facilities.