Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between the two nations. He is the first foreign head of government to be hosted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake since the latter assumed office in September 2024. The visit reflects the shared commitment to a joint vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” and reaffirms the close, multifaceted ties between India and Sri Lanka.
At the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Prime Minister Modi held comprehensive discussions with President Dissanayake on a range of bilateral issues, including regional stability, energy cooperation, and developmental partnerships. As a gesture of goodwill, President Dissanayake conferred upon him the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honours, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The two leaders jointly participated in the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur Power Project, a strategic initiative to be executed by NTPC and the Ceylon Electricity Board. The project is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s energy security and support future electricity exports. India’s developmental assistance has also enabled the construction of a temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla and the installation of rooftop solar systems in 5,000 religious institutions, adding 25 MW to the island’s energy grid. These two projects were also inaugurated by the two leaders.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the visit as “substantive and outcome-orientated”, highlighting it as a continuation of President Dissanayake’s earlier visit to India – his first official overseas trip.
Prime Minister Modi also met with Tamil political leaders and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for equality, dignity, and justice for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka. He paid tribute to late Tamil leaders I. Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah emphasised that several of the ongoing projects would benefit Tamil communities socially, economically, and culturally.
In a solemn gesture, Mr Modi laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Colombo, honouring the sacrifice of Indian soldiers deployed between 1987 and 1990.
Key announcements include Indian support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity project, the conversion of 100 million US dollars in loans to grants, a 2.4 billion Lankan rupees package for the Eastern Province, and the inauguration of the Maho-Omanthai railway line. Defence cooperation was also reinforced, with Modi calling for humanitarian handling of the fishermen issue and timely implementation of the 13th Amendment and provincial elections.
A state banquet in Prime Minister Modi’s honour was held in honour of the Prime Minister later at night.
