Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s significance in India’s regional diplomacy during his official visit to Colombo, stating that the island nation holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday, PM Modi said, “Sri Lanka has a special place in both our Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar. India follows the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and gives top priority to the needs of our partners.”
PM Modi highlighted India’s continued support for Sri Lanka during critical times. He noted that in the past six months alone, India converted loans worth over $100 million into grants and agreed to lower interest rates under the debt restructuring agreement, providing immediate relief to Sri Lanka’s economy.
During the event, PM Modi was conferred Sri Lanka’s highest honour for a foreign head of state—the Mitra Vibhushana Medal. Expressing gratitude, Modi said, “This is not just an honour for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians. It reflects the historic ties and deep friendship between our two countries.”
Reflecting on his past visits, Modi shared, “This is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka. I came in 2019 during a difficult time following the Easter attacks. Even then, I believed Sri Lanka would emerge stronger. Today, I am happy to see the nation back on a path of progress.”
The two leaders also discussed fishermen-related issues, agreeing to pursue a humanitarian approach and ensure the immediate release of fishermen and their boats. PM Modi emphasized that the security of India and Sri Lanka is “interdependent and interconnected.”
He also announced progress on key initiatives, including:
- Completion of 10,000 houses for the Indian-origin Tamil community
- Training programs in India for 700 Sri Lankan professionals, including MPs, judges, entrepreneurs, journalists, and youth leaders
PM Modi noted the symbolism of reciprocal diplomacy: “President Dissanayake made India his first official foreign visit. Today, I am honoured to be his first guest here in Sri Lanka. This reflects the depth of our special bond.”
Earlier in the day, Modi and Dissanayake held bilateral and delegation-level talks in Colombo, attended by senior Indian officials including EAM S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The visit began with a historic ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square, the first such honour ever given to a visiting foreign leader by Sri Lanka. Despite rainy weather, six Sri Lankan ministers welcomed PM Modi at the airport.
PM Modi arrived in Colombo on April 5 following his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where he held talks with regional leaders including those from Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
As part of his Sri Lanka visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate India-funded development projects, further deepening the partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
