New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has touched down in India for her inaugural official visit, which is set to span two days. This visit is significant as it marks her first journey to the nation since taking office.

During her stay until October 18, Amarasuriya is expected to engage with senior political figures to deliberate on vital bilateral matters and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

As part of her itinerary, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will present a keynote address at the 'NDTV World Summit', a joint initiative by NDTV and the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi.

In her capacity as the Minister of Education in Sri Lanka, she plans to visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and NITI Aayog to discuss partnerships in education, innovation, and technology.

A proud alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, she will also return to her alma mater. The college festivities will commence with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by 16 NCC cadets, followed by a symbolic tree-planting ceremony on campus and cultural performances by students at the Sanganeria auditorium.

In addition, the Sri Lankan leader will participate in a business event focused on enhancing trade and economic relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "This visit perpetuates the tradition of consistent high-level exchanges between India and Sri Lanka, bolstering the profound and multifaceted bilateral partnership. It aims to further cement the ties of friendship, underpinned by India's 'MAHASAGAR Vision' and its 'Neighbourhood First' policy."

In September, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi engaged in comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Amarasuriya in Colombo, centering on strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing defense relations.

During this meeting, Amarasuriya stressed the strategic importance of the ocean for maritime nations, advocating for collaborative efforts to protect this shared resource.

She also pointed out the potential for deeper cooperation in addressing transnational issues like anti-narcotics operations, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and maritime terrorism.

The Prime Minister further underscored the necessity for closer coordination in search and rescue operations, improved information sharing, and expanded training initiatives between the navies of India and Sri Lanka.

The Indian Navy noted that the discussions reflected the shared vision of both nations to foster peace, stability, and sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean Region through mutual trust and collaboration.

This visit follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo last April, where both countries signed several key agreements, including those on defense cooperation and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.

Additional memoranda of understanding (MoUs) included the Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for power import/export; cooperation in digital transformation, multi-sectoral grant assistance for the Eastern Province, health and medicine, and pharmacopoeial collaboration.

Prime Minister Modi also unveiled a comprehensive capacity-building program in India aimed at training 700 Sri Lankans annually, alongside grant assistance for the development of the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura. Furthermore, plans for the exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025 were announced, along with the completion of bilateral agreements on debt restructuring.