Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Saturday, as part of his three-day state visit aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation and regional development.
The leaders exchanged a warm handshake before commencing the high-level talks, which were attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials from both sides.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions focused on evaluating progress under the Joint Vision Statement titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”, which was adopted during President Dissanayake’s recent visit to India. The joint roadmap outlines strategic collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, energy, tourism, digital connectivity, and cultural exchange.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square, the first time Sri Lanka has extended such an honour to any visiting foreign leader—highlighting the importance Colombo places on its relationship with New Delhi.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019, and comes shortly after his visit to Thailand, where he participated in the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with leaders including Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Upon arrival in Colombo, PM Modi was welcomed by six senior Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, despite inclement weather.
“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi shared on X.
Later, at his hotel, PM Modi engaged with members of the Indian diaspora and enjoyed a traditional puppet show, reflecting the vibrant cultural ties between the two nations.
As part of his visit, PM Modi will also travel to Anuradhapura to inaugurate India-funded development projects, further reinforcing India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic growth and people-centric initiatives.
