Strong Ties Between India and Sri Lanka: PM Modi's Productive Meeting with Lankan President
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Synopsis
During his visit to Colombo, PM Modi praised President Dissanayake for his dedication to India-Sri Lanka ties, highlighting progress in security, trade, and culture. Key agreements were signed, including defense cooperation and energy projects, reinforcing the enduring bond between the nations.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened India-Sri Lanka relations
- Agreements on energy and defense cooperation
- Capacity-building program for Sri Lankans
- Inauguration of key infrastructure projects
- Shared vision for prosperous future
Colombo, April 5 (NationPress) Commending Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his personal dedication to strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the two nations have significantly enhanced their connections in security, trade, agriculture, housing, culture, and other sectors during the bilateral discussions at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Saturday.
"Engaged in extensive and fruitful discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. A few months back, President Dissanayake selected India for his inaugural overseas visit after assuming office. Now, I have the privilege of being the first international leader he is hosting during his presidency. This reflects his personal commitment to India-Sri Lanka relations and the unbreakable bond that links our countries," PM Modi shared on X.
"Significant progress has been made since President Dissanayake's visit to India, especially in areas such as energy, solar power, technology, and more. In our discussions today, we explored ways to accelerate linkages in security, trade, agriculture, housing, culture, and various sectors," he further added.
Numerous key agreements were established, including those related to defense cooperation and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, following the bilateral discussions.
Other signed MoUs encompassed agreements on the HVDC Interconnection for Power Import/Export; on collaboration in the field of Digital Transformation; on Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for the Eastern Province; on cooperation in Health and Medicine; and on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also unveiled a comprehensive capacity-building program in India for 700 Sri Lankans annually; announced India's grant assistance for the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the exhibition of Lord Buddha's relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; and the completion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.
Additional key projects supported by India that are being inaugurated during PM Modi's current visit include the launch of the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai railway line; the initiation of the Signalling System Construction for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line; the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur Solar Power Project; the inauguration of a Temperature Controlled Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla; and the provision of Solar Rooftop Systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka.
The visit of Indian Prime Minister, conducted at the invitation of President Dissanayake, reinforces the shared vision of 'Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future' between the two countries.
Participating in the delegation-level discussions were Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, among other senior officials.
The Indian delegation featured 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 government officials.
Upon arrival at the Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome from President Dissanayake.
The official welcome ceremony for PM Modi occurred at the Independence Square in Colombo, under the auspices of President Dissanayake.
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was ceremoniously escorted to Independence Square with a Police Mounted Guard of honor, followed by a warm welcome from President Dissanayake.
During this state visit, the Prime Minister was honored with full state ceremonies, including a ceremonial guard of honor and a gun salute, in recognition of his State Visit to the island nation. Following this, PM Modi inspected the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Guard of Honor.
