New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) The President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on Friday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation to the significant AI Impact Summit and acknowledged India’s remarkable support during the devastating Cyclone Ditwah that led to extensive destruction in the island nation.

The two leaders convened at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, engaging in discussions on the margins of the AI Impact Summit.

“I met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this afternoon. I conveyed my thanks for the invitation to the AI Impact Summit 2026. We engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing our historic relations and broadening cooperation in economic, trade, and cultural domains. Furthermore, I expressed my appreciation for India’s remarkable support during the recent Cyclone Ditwah,” Dissanayake shared on X.

PM Modi referred to Sri Lanka as a “valued neighbour” and highlighted that their meeting reinforced the enduring friendship shared between the two nations.

“It was a pleasure to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Delhi. We reviewed the advancements in India-Sri Lanka relations recently and explored potential areas of collaboration, including energy, connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, skill development, culture, blue economy, and more,” PM Modi mentioned on X.

During his visit to India, Dissanayake also held conversations with various global leaders.

“I had a cordial discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Emmanuel Macron, President Aleksandar Vucic, and President Peter Pellegrini during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi today. Our discussions revolved around leveraging AI for global welfare and enhancing multilateral cooperation,” stated the Lankan President on Thursday.

Dissanayake noted that in his address at the Summit, he emphasized directing Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards a future that benefits all of humanity.

“In my address, I underscored that technology should serve as a tool to elevate, not undermine, our cultural values and human capabilities. The future of civilization hinges on maintaining this balance,” he remarked.

India has significantly aided Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, executing reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives while restoring vital connectivity in various parts of the country.

Numerous Lankan leaders have expressed their gratitude to New Delhi for providing assistance “when it mattered most”.

Acting as a 'First Responder' under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India pledged a reconstruction package of USD 450 million to Sri Lanka, which includes: rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; rebuilding homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged; support for health and education sectors, particularly those impacted by the cyclone; assistance in agriculture to mitigate potential shortages in the short and medium term; and enhanced disaster response and preparedness.