Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-day State visit to Sri Lanka, which marked a series of key agreements, high-level engagements and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. This visit, which is Modi’s first to Sri Lanka since 2019, also saw him honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award, the Mitra Vibhushana, a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries.

PM Modi’s arrival in Colombo on April 4 was met with a historic ceremonial welcome, marking the first time Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner. The grand reception was a symbol of the warmth between the two neighbours, whose historical, cultural and religious ties stretch back centuries. During his visit, Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held “productive” discussions, covering a wide range of areas including security, trade, agriculture, culture and energy.

“Sri Lanka has a special place in both our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision Mahasagar’,” Modi said during a joint press statement. “India places great importance on the priorities of its partner nations, and our commitment to Sri Lanka’s prosperity is unwavering.”

In the last six months alone, India converted over $100 million in loans to grants, while also agreeing to lower interest rates on loans, reflecting India’s continued support to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

The two countries signed several key agreements, particularly in defence cooperation, energy development and digital transformation. A standout project includes the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, a critical area for regional stability and energy security.

In addition, a grant of Rs 300 crores was announced to support Sri Lanka’s Digital Identity Project, further solidifying India’s role in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.

Shared vision for regional stability

Security cooperation was a significant focus of the bilateral talks. Both leaders emphasised the importance of mutual security interests, with PM Modi stating that “the security of India and Sri Lanka is interdependent and interconnected”.

In a clear message of solidarity, President Dissanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used against India’s security, aligning both nations’ priorities in safeguarding the region.

On maritime matters, President Dissanayake urged PM Modi’s intervention to facilitate technical discussions concerning Sri Lanka’s claim to extend its continental shelf beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone. This reflects the growing cooperation between the two countries on regional and international forums.

Humanitarian initiatives, social development

The two leaders also took steps in advancing the social and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka. Modi announced a comprehensive capacity-building program for 700 Sri Lankans annually, which includes training for MPs, entrepreneurs, media personnel and young leaders.

Apart from this, the two leaders jointly inaugurated several India-funded projects, such as the 5000 MT temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla and the Sampur Solar Power Project. These projects not only contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth but also promote energy sustainability and agricultural development.

A significant humanitarian gesture was made when the leaders discussed the livelihood of fishermen, agreeing on a humanitarian approach to resolve the issue of fishermen’s arrests and the return of their boats.

PM Modi said the two countries share a strong bond built on trust and goodwill, underlined by their cooperation on issues affecting their people.

Personal bonds, symbolic gestures

One of the most poignant moments of the visit came when President Dissanayake conferred PM Modi with the Mitra Vibhushana award, the highest honour Sri Lanka can bestow upon a foreign leader.

Modi expressed deep gratitude for the award. “This honour is not just for me, but for the 1.4 billion people of India. It reflects the historic ties and deep friendship between our peoples,” he said.

In a gesture of cultural diplomacy, PM Modi also participated in a traditional puppet performance and interacted with the Indian diaspora, further cementing the cultural ties between the two nations. His visit is also significant for its focus on the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, with a promise to complete the construction of 10,000 homes for Indian-origin Tamils.

Looking toward the future

Prime Minister Modi’s visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared vision for a prosperous future between the two countries. "The bond between India and Sri Lanka is unbreakable," he stated, emphasising that the relationship is not just strategic, but one built on mutual respect, shared values and common interests.

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As part of his ongoing commitment to fostering ties, PM Modi is set to oversee the inauguration of several development projects, including those in the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and Trincomalee, further deepening the bilateral relationship in both spiritual and practical terms.

This visit has set the stage for a new chapter in the India-Sri Lanka relationship, characterised by strengthened cooperation in security, economy, culture and humanitarian affairs. As both nations look toward the future, the unbreakable bond between them continues to grow, fostering not just regional stability but also prosperity for their peoples.

(With IANS and ANI inputs)