PM Modi Expected to Visit Sri Lanka in April Following President Dissanayake's Invitation
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in early April following an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and may coincide with Modi's return from the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit aims to enhance India-Sri Lanka ties.
- Dissanayake's invitation was extended during his December visit to India.
- Modi has previously visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014.
- The leaders seek to establish a new standard for friendly relations.
- Sri Lanka's cooperation with India is set to flourish.
Colombo, March 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to visit Sri Lanka during the initial week of April, responding to an invitation from Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as reported by local media on Wednesday.
This visit, projected for April 5, aims to further enhance India-Sri Lanka relations and bolster the people-centric partnership between these neighboring nations.
It is speculated that PM Modi may stop in Colombo while returning from Bangkok, which will host the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit from April 2 to 4.
During a three-day trip to India in December, President Dissanayake extended the invitation to PM Modi to visit Sri Lanka “at his earliest convenience.” This was his first foreign journey since assuming office in September 2024.
In their discussions, both leaders committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship and establishing a new paradigm for friendly and neighborly ties.
Dissanayake characterized his visit to India as “successful,” highlighting that he had “productive discussions” with Indian leadership and the business community.
Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times. His most recent visit was in June 2019 to express solidarity following the Easter Sunday attacks. Previously, he visited in March 2015, marking the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987, and in May 2017 as the Chief Guest for the inaugural International Vesak Day hosted by Sri Lanka.
Following bilateral talks with PM Modi in New Delhi last December, President Dissanayake noted that his visit has set the foundation for increased cooperation between the two nations.
“We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India supported us significantly to emerge from that situation. India has also aided us considerably afterward, particularly in the debt-free structuring process. I recognize that Sri Lanka holds substantial importance in India’s foreign policy. PM Modi assured us of his unwavering support and commitment to safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka,” stated Dissanayake.
He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position of not allowing its territory to be utilized in any way that could compromise India’s security or regional stability.
“I have assured the Prime Minister of India that we will not permit our land to be used detrimentally to India’s interests. Our collaboration with India will undoubtedly prosper, and I wish to reassure our ongoing support to India,” the visiting Lankan President remarked.
