Prominent Lankan Ministers and Indian Diaspora Extend Warm Welcome to PM Modi in Colombo Despite Heavy Rain
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Synopsis
In Colombo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a grand welcome from local residents and the Indian diaspora amidst heavy rain. Senior Lankan ministers greet him at the airport during his State Visit, highlighting the deepening India-Sri Lanka relations.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's arrival in Colombo was met with a warm reception despite the weather.
- Senior ministers welcomed PM Modi at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Strengthening of India-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations is anticipated.
- Defense cooperation agreement is on the agenda.
- Discussion on fishermen's issues will take place during the visit.
Colombo, April 4 (NationPress) Hundreds of local residents and members of the Indian diaspora defied heavy downpours to extend a grand welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Colombo late Saturday evening. He arrived from Bangkok on a State Visit at the invitation of Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In a special reception, senior ministers from Dissanayake's cabinet, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena greeted PM Modi at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. People gathered outside the airport and at the hotel despite the inclement weather in the capital.
Prime Minister Modi traveled directly to the island nation after attending the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok and is scheduled to return home on April 6.
"Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka," PM Modi posted on X after his arrival.
Colombo has highlighted that Dissanayake's State Visit to India in December last year—his first international visit as the President of Sri Lanka—was a "watershed moment" for bilateral relations. The strong diplomatic ties between the two nations are expected to strengthen further, as PM Modi is set to be the first foreign leader hosted by President Dissanayake in his new role.
"The India-Sri Lanka relationship is deeply rooted in civilizational links, shared history, culture, and significant people-to-people connections. In recent times, it has transformed into a close economic and technical partnership. Sri Lanka is a vital part of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and this relationship, based on mutual trust and goodwill, has proven resilient. India has supported Sri Lanka during critical times, including the unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. We are proud to have played a crucial role in stabilizing and aiding the recovery of the nation, underscoring our commitment as a reliable neighbor and first responder in times of crisis in the region," stated Foreign Secretary Misri prior to PM Modi's visit.
During this visit, India and Sri Lanka are anticipated to finalize an updated agreement on defense cooperation.
Throughout the visit, the Prime Minister will engage with the President of Sri Lanka to assess the progress made in areas of collaboration outlined in the Joint Vision for 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,' which was adopted during the Sri Lankan President's State Visit to India. The Prime Minister will also meet with senior dignitaries and political leaders.
The two leaders will observe the exchange of multiple agreements concerning energy connectivity, digitization, defense, health, and multisectoral grant assistance.
PM Modi is also set to meet other political leaders before traveling to Anuradhapura with Dissanayake for the launch of development projects funded by Indian financial assistance on Sunday.
In Anuradhapura, both leaders will pay their respects at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple complex, which holds significant importance in the India-Sri Lanka civilizational partnership. PM Modi had visited the temple during his trip to the country in 2015 and again in 2019.
During their discussions, both leaders will address all matters concerning fishermen, including the prompt release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and their boats.
The Indian government emphasizes that it prioritizes the safety, security, and welfare of Indian fishermen and has consistently raised these issues through various bilateral mechanisms, diplomatic channels, and official interactions, including the Prime Minister's recent meeting with the Sri Lankan President on December 16, 2024.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri acknowledged that this longstanding issue dates back to arrangements established in the mid-1970s when the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Sri Lanka was agreed upon by both central and state authorities.
India has also repeatedly urged the Sri Lankan Government to consider the fishermen's issue as a humanitarian and livelihood concern, advocating against the use of force in any circumstances.
