PM Modi Meets Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader; Strengthens Bipartisan Ties

As part of his ongoing state visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, in Colombo.

The engagement reflects India’s continued commitment to fostering bipartisan support for India-Sri Lanka relations across the political spectrum.

PM Modi expressed his appreciation for Premadasa’s longstanding dedication to strengthening bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Glad to meet Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Mr Sajith Premadasa. Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines.”

The meeting was also attended by top Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and senior members of the Prime Minister’s delegation.

Discussions revolved around enhancing people-centric development partnerships and advancing mutual interests.

Deepening India-Sri Lanka Cooperation

Commenting further on the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared that both leaders exchanged views on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

“Our ever-expanding ties enjoy bipartisan support in both our countries,” Jaiswal noted in his post on X.

The discussion came on the heels of PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier in the day.

PM Modi described the presidential talks as ‘extensive and productive’, emphasizing the trust and shared vision between the two nations.

A Multisectoral Partnership

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and identified new opportunities for collaboration in sectors including energy, digital technology, agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange.

India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE also signed a significant trilateral MoU during the visit to jointly develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, reinforcing regional cooperation in clean energy infrastructure.

A Warm Welcome & Historic Recognition

PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is his first since 2019 and comes at the invitation of President Dissanayake.

Upon his arrival on Friday, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square, the first such honour accorded to a visiting leader by Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by six senior Sri Lankan ministers despite rainy conditions, highlighting the depth of India-Sri Lanka ties.

PM Modi arrived in Colombo following his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where he held bilateral discussions with leaders from across the Bay of Bengal region.

PM Modi’s engagements during the Sri Lanka visit underscore India’s enduring commitment to regional cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and bipartisan friendship – Key pillars of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ maritime strategies.

Also Read: PM Modi: Held Comprehensive, Productive Talks With President Dissanayake