Synopsis
During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, key agreements were signed, enhancing defence cooperation and developing Trincomalee as an energy hub. The discussions led to several bilateral agreements aimed at fostering growth in various sectors.Key Takeaways
- Defence cooperation agreements signed.
- Trincomalee development as an energy hub.
- 700 Sri Lankans to benefit from capacity-building in India.
- Introduction of solar rooftop units across Sri Lanka.
- Major railway projects inaugurated during the visit.
Colombo, April 5 (NationPress) Following bilateral discussions at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Saturday, several significant agreements were inked, notably concerning defence cooperation and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
Additional MoUs established included agreements on the Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Power Import/Export; Cooperation in Sharing Successful Digital Solutions for Digital Transformation; Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for the Eastern Province; Cooperation in Health and Medicine; and Pharmacopoeial Cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also revealed a comprehensive capacity-building initiative in India for 700 Sri Lankans each year; India's grant support for the development of the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the Exhibition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; and the finalization of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.
The leaders jointly e-inaugurated a High Impact Community Development Project in agriculture, a pioneering 5000 MT temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla, and provided 5000 solar rooftop units to religious sites across all 25 districts in Sri Lanka. They also participated in the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the 120 MW Sampur Solar Project.
Other notable projects with Indian support that are set to be inaugurated during PM Modi's visit include the unveiling of the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai railway line and the commencement of the Construction of the Signalling System for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line.
Prime Minister Modi's visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Dissanayake, reinforces the shared vision of 'Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future' between the two countries.
Attending the talks were Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and other senior officials.
The Indian delegation comprised External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with other senior Indian government officials.
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome from President Dissanayake.
The official reception for PM Modi was held at Independence Square in Colombo, hosted by President Dissanayake.
In a notable gesture, Prime Minister Modi was ceremoniously escorted to Independence Square with a Police Mounted Guard of honour, followed by a warm welcome from President Dissanayake.
The Prime Minister was accorded full state honors, including a ceremonial guard of honour and a gun salute, acknowledging his State Visit to the island nation. Subsequently, PM Modi inspected the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Guard of Honour.
