Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a grand welcome on Friday evening in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by five senior Sri Lankan ministers, among them Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
On the morning of Saturday, PM Modi was formally received with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. It was for the first time that Sri Lanka had conferred such an honour upon a foreign dignitary at this location, an event which was perceived as both historical as well as symbolic of enhancing relationship between the two countries.
Taking to platform X, PM Modi posted, “Landed in Colombo. Thankful to the dignitaries and ministers who greeted me at the airport. Ready for the programmes in Sri Lanka.
On this three-day official trip marking his first to the island nation since 2019. PM Modi is residing at the Taj Samudra hotel, where he was also warmly received by members of the Indian-origin community. President Dissanayake, who is hosting a foreign leader for the first time since taking office, is likely to accompany PM Modi to important events.
10 Major Deals Signed
India and Sri Lanka will seal about 10 major bilateral agreements during the visit. The most significant among the developments was the signing of a comprehensive defence cooperation agreement on Saturday, after one-on-one and delegation-level discussions between PM Modi and President Dissanayake. This defence MoU is a significant milestone in bilateral relations and is considered a new chapter after the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) more than 30 years ago.
The two also exchanged views on strategic cooperation in energy security and digitalisation. The high point was the agreement to make Trincomalee an energy hub, indicating greater cooperation in energy infrastructure.
In addition, PM Modi and President Dissanayake opened the India-funded Sampur solar power project virtually, reinforcing energy cooperation and demonstrating India’s increasing interest in green projects in the region.
The trip also has economic importance as Sri Lanka is still rebuilding from its 2022 financial collapse. India had provided $4.5 billion in bailout funds at the time of the crisis and is now leading the effort to help Sri Lanka restructure its debt and stabilize its economy.
Two significant papers regarding India’s assistance to the debt restructuring and currency swap facility of Sri Lanka are also to be made public after the bilateral negotiations.
Several India-funded initiatives in Sri Lanka are scheduled to be launched during PM Modi’s trip. On April 6, PM Modi and President Dissanayake will travel to Anuradhapura, where they will pay respects at the Mahabodhi temple and jointly inaugurate two more India-backed projects, further enhancing cultural and development cooperation.
