India, Sri Lanka Pledge To Build Better Ties

The ministers agreed that the matter needed to be dealt with in a humane way as it impacted the livelihood of thousands in both countries.

Colombo has accused fishermen mainly from Tamil Nadu of fishing in Sri Lankan waters, affecting the earnings of its own fishermen. The bitter row has often led to clashes in the sea and even deaths.

Samaraweera briefed Sushma Swaraj on the constitutional reform efforts initiative by the new government in Colombo which has ousted the regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sushma Swaraj said India was keen to work "closely and extensively" with the new Sri Lankan government.

The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, which last met in January 2012 in New Delhi, will meet soon.

Sushma Swaraj has also agreed to visit Colombo.

The visiting minister will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Monday.

The two ministers agreed to pave the way for Sirisena`s visit to India at an early date.

An Indian spokesperson said: "The talks have been marked by warmth, mutual respect and understanding, and the substantive outcomes demonstrate the desire of India and Sri Lanka to boost our bilateral ties."

India has repeatedly called for a political solution to issues dealing with the Tamil minority in the island nation.

The government change in Colombo is widely expected to improve relations between India and Sri Lanka that had become strained over the latter`s increasing military ties with China.

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