Colombo: In a significant move to enhance their bilateral ties, India and Sri Lanka signed multiple agreements across defence, energy, and trade sectors, solidifying their strategic and developmental partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two neighboring nations.
During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi praised President Dissanayake for choosing India as the destination for his first foreign visit, describing it as a testament to the deep and enduring ties between the two countries. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s key role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the broader regional initiative, Mission Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/RYm5q1VhZk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
The leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the long-standing fishermen dispute. Modi emphasized the need for a humanitarian approach to the issue, urging the swift release of detained fishermen and their boats. The two leaders also underscored the importance of continued reconciliation efforts between the two nations.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Modi revealed that India had converted over $100 million in loans into grants for Sri Lanka in the past six months. Additionally, he announced that India would reduce interest rates as part of a bilateral debt restructuring agreement, offering immediate relief to the Sri Lankan people. Modi further committed to providing approximately 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees for the development of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
Modi expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s path to recovery, noting that India has always been a steadfast ally, offering support during difficult times, including after the 2019 terrorist attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sri Lanka’s recent financial crisis.
The rains were no deterrent for a spectacular welcome by the Indian community in Colombo. I was deeply moved by their warmth and enthusiasm. Grateful to them! pic.twitter.com/O8YUP6Vjxw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
President Dissanayake praised Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” vision, describing it as both timely and relevant. He acknowledged India’s unwavering friendship and support, particularly noting that Buddhism is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured gifts from India. Dissanayake also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is not used in any way that threatens India’s security or regional stability. He requested India’s assistance in facilitating early technical discussions regarding Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary extension submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
Both leaders also explored avenues for collaboration in the digital economy, with President Dissanayake emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to digitalization. In recognition of this, Modi announced a financial grant of INR 300 crore for Sri Lanka’s Digital Identity Project.
Prime Minister Modi was presented with the prestigious Mithra Vibhushana award by President Dissanayake, a gesture Modi attributed to the 140 crore people of India. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the historical and deep friendship between the peoples of the two nations.
The day’s events also saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in critical sectors, including defence cooperation, energy imports and exports, digitization, and health. A tripartite agreement between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE was signed for the development of Trincomalee as a regional energy hub. The leaders also launched the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur Solar Power Project, a joint venture between India’s NTPC and Ceylon Electricity Board, which will have a 120 MW capacity.
In addition, the inauguration of a temperature-controlled warehouse facility at Dambulla and a solar rooftop project at 5,000 religious places across Sri Lanka marked another step in deepening bilateral cooperation.
The two leaders also discussed further cooperation on Tamil reconciliation, the 13th Amendment, the treatment of fishermen, and mutual objectives under the Colombo Security Conclave. The strengthening of defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean region was another key topic on the agenda.
This meeting reaffirms the long-standing and multifaceted relationship between India and Sri Lanka, with both countries committed to further enhancing their strategic and developmental ties.
