The periodical review of the entire gamut of bilateral relations between Sri Lankan and India will take place in New Delhi on January 21 and 22 during the Joint Commission meeting, informed sources said yesterday.

The India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission will mainly focus on trade, economic and investment relations between the two countries.   The last Joint Commission meeting was held in Colombo in 2010.

An External Affairs Ministry statement said the ministers had used the opportunity to briefly discuss key issues of importance to the two countries and agreed to hold the Joint Commission early this year.

The two Ministers have discussed the trade and investment issues and the status of India-funded projects in Sri Lanka. They have also called for an early meeting of the fishermen’s associations of India and Sri Lanka.

The Joint Commission is a mechanism worked out by the two sides to discuss different aspects of bilateral relations.  India has invested in several major projects in Sri Lanka such as the construction of northern railways and the rebuilding of the Kankesanturai Harbour. (Kelum Bandara)