A banker-turned-politician Eran Wickramaratne, Sri Lanka’s deputy minister for highways and investment promotion, says trade and investment with India can grow exponentially. He, however, makes a strong case for reduction in non-tariff barriers (NTBs). In an interview with Sanjay Jog, he explains how both countries can prosper and help the region grow.

The heads of India and Sri Lanka have said economic ties are the pillars of the relationship between the two nations. What is your take?

There has been normalisation of relations since the change of presidency in Sri Lanka after January. President, Maithripala Sirisena visited India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lanka. This is significant. In the past, the relationship was more politically driven. In future, it will be driven by economic partnership. That’s the way to go.