Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his three-day state visit to Sri Lanka on April 4 with a warm reception and a series of high-level engagements. On Saturday, he held delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation under the framework of the ‘Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’, a roadmap adopted during President Dissanayake’s recent visit to India.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior Indian officials joined PM Modi during the talks, signaling the importance of the visit in further strengthening regional ties.
A Ceremonial First
Sri Lanka accorded PM Modi a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo earlier in the day, marking the first time the nation has honoured a visiting leader in such a manner.
The gesture underscored the importance of the India-Sri Lanka relationship and the mutual respect shared between the two countries.
Arrival & Warm Welcome
PM Modi landed in Colombo on Friday, marking his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.
Despite rainy weather, he was warmly welcomed at the airport by six senior Sri Lankan ministers, including the Foreign, Health, and Labour Ministers.
“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.
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
Cultural Engagements & Diaspora Connection
Following his arrival, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and attended a traditional puppet performance.
This cultural interaction served to highlight the deep-rooted people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen Indo-Lankan relations.
PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka comes after his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where he engaged in bilateral talks with several South Asian leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.
His presence in Colombo reflects India’s growing focus on fostering regional cooperation through economic development, infrastructure support, and cultural exchange.
During the remainder of his visit, PM Modi is expected to travel to Anuradhapura to inaugurate development projects funded by India, further reinforcing India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s growth and stability.
This visit sets the tone for deeper strategic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka in the coming years.
Also Read: PM Modi Conferred Sri Lanka’s Top Civilian Honour-Mitra Vibhushana
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