Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday assured that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used against India or in any way that jeopardizes regional stability. His strong message came during a joint press statement following delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to the island nation.
“I reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability,” said President Dissanayake.
During their talks in Colombo, the two leaders reviewed cooperation in regional security, digital transformation, and maritime boundaries. President Dissanayake also sought India’s support for Sri Lanka’s maritime claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, urging early bilateral technical discussions on the matter.
Highlighting bilateral cooperation in digital governance, the President praised India’s contribution: “I thank the Government of India for the financial grant of INR 300 crores to implement Sri Lanka’s unique Digital Identity Project.”
He further emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a digital economy and expressed interest in deeper collaboration with India in technology and governance.
In recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s contributions to strengthening bilateral ties, President Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka would confer its highest civilian honour, the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’, on PM Modi.
“Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe,” he added.
The Indian delegation at the high-level talks included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. A trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE was also signed during the visit.
PM Modi, who arrived in Colombo on April 5 after attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome at Independence Square—the first time a foreign leader has been honoured in such a manner by Sri Lanka.
Despite heavy rain, six senior Sri Lankan ministers greeted PM Modi at the airport, reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties.
“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 posted on X.
During his visit, PM Modi also met with the Indian diaspora, attended a traditional puppet performance, and is scheduled to visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate India-funded development projects.
The visit focuses on strengthening the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”, which was adopted during President Dissanayake’s visit to India earlier.
