India

PM Modi’s State Visit To Sri Lanka Begins With Warm Reception In Colombo Amid Heavy Rain

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Saturday evening to a warm and enthusiastic welcome from both the Indian diaspora and local residents.

Despite heavy rain, hundreds of people gathered outside Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport and at his hotel to greet the Prime Minister.

The welcome was a part of his State Visit to Sri Lanka, which he undertook at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Ministers from Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Extend Special Welcome

A number of senior Sri Lankan ministers were present to welcome PM Modi. These included:

  • Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath,
  • Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa,
  • Labour Minister Anil Jayantha,
  • Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar,
  • Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and
  • Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena

Their presence underscored the importance of the visit as people gathered to show their support in the rain-soaked capital.

PM Modi’s Arrival & Message On Social Media

Prime Minister Modi had just concluded attending the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok before heading to Sri Lanka.

Upon his arrival in Colombo, he expressed his gratitude on social media, saying, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Between India and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka views this State Visit as a pivotal moment in the strengthening of its relationship with India.

President Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024 was described as a ‘watershed moment’, laying the foundation for closer ties.

PM Modi’s visit marks the first time President Dissanayake has hosted a foreign leader since taking office, further cementing the growing diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, stating that shared history, religion, and culture ground the relationship.

He also emphasized that India played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s recovery during its 2022 economic crisis, reinforcing India’s role as a dependable neighbor.

Also Read: PM Modi Meets Bhutan PM Tobgay At BIMSTEC Summit; Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties & Regional Cooperation

Purnima Mishra

Recent Posts

4415 Indians Evacuated From Iran And Israel Under ‘Operation Sindhu’: MEA

India evacuated 4,415 nationals from Iran and Israel under Operation Sindhu, the MEA said Friday,…

4 hours ago

PM Modi To Embark On Five-Nation Tour To Strengthen Global Partnerships

PM Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour from July 2, visiting Ghana, Trinidad…

4 hours ago

Allahabad HC Directs UPPSC To Allow Petitioner A Scribe For PCS Main Exam

The Allahabad HC has directed the UPPSC to allow petitioner Sameer Khan to use a…

4 hours ago

Allahabad High Court Slams UP Officials For Defying Judicial Orders

The Allahabad High Court strongly rebuked three senior officials from Baghpat district, the Collector, SDM…

5 hours ago

Adani Group Becomes India’s Fastest-Growing Brand, Driven By Green Energy Focus

The Adani Group has emerged as India’s fastest-growing brand in 2025, registering a massive 82%…

5 hours ago

Pakistan: Flash Floods In Swat Sweep Away 18 Tourists; Claim Seven Lives

Flash floods struck Swat district, on Friday, sweeping 18 tourists, including women and children, into…

7 hours ago