24-Member Sri Lankan Delegation Begins India Visit To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from Sri Lanka arrived in India on Wednesday to begin a two-week-long visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations.

The delegation met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi, where they discussed regional cooperation, security, and political engagement.

Delegation Represents Cross-Party Young Leadership

The visiting delegation includes 24 leaders from 14 Sri Lankan political parties, including 20 Members of Parliament, Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, and four senior officials from the Sri Lankan Parliament, including the Secretary General.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a post on X, “A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from 14 political parties of Sri Lanka called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri as they began their two-week long programme in India. Foreign Secretary emphasised their valuable role in deepening the #IndiaSriLanka partnership as stakeholders in its future roadmap.”

Foreign Secretary Misri underscored the importance of youth leadership in shaping the future of India-Sri Lanka relations.

He emphasised that these leaders will play a pivotal role as stakeholders in defining the future roadmap for the two nations.

“The Foreign Secretary highlighted their valuable role in deepening the India-Sri Lanka partnership,” the MEA added.

The meeting also addressed evolving regional geopolitical dynamics and the implementation of security agreements between India and Sri Lanka. Both sides discussed cooperation frameworks and future strategic initiatives to enhance regional stability.

India Reaffirms Commitment to Sri Lanka’s Development

Ahead of the visit, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha interacted with the delegation in Colombo.

He emphasised shared goals and outlined initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka partnerships for a common future.

India continues to support Sri Lanka through capacity-building initiatives and economic assistance.

In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first foreign leader to make a state visit to Sri Lanka after President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka took office in September 2024.

During their meeting, both leaders held extensive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation. PM Modi announced a new training package for 700 Sri Lankan citizens annually, along with the signing of Bilateral Amending Agreements on Debt Restructuring.

India reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s key role in its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and MAHASAGAR vision.

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term stability.

India and Sri Lanka share a relationship that spans over 2,500 years, grounded in civilizational and historical bonds.

The two countries continue to build a multi-dimensional partnership supported by cultural ties, shared values, and strong people-to-people engagement.

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