India for a stable, prosperous Sri Lanka: President

Kovind also appreciated the Lankan prime minister's positive role in his country's active engagement with the world.

Welcoming Wickremesinghe, the President said India supports his vision to create a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka, a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.

Kovind said relations between India and Sri Lanka are unique, warm and friendly. They are based upon shared historical, cultural, ethnic and civilisational ties and extensive people-to-people linkages.

The President said that development cooperation forms an important part of India-Sri Lanka bilateral engagement. India is keen to strengthen the economic pillar of its relationship with Sri Lanka, the release said.

There is a lot that can be achieved, given the synergy and economic complementaries between the two countries. The President reiterated India's firm commitment to partner with Sri Lanka on projects of mutual interest, it said.