Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met in Colombo on Saturday for formal delegation-level talks, reinforcing the strategic and historic bond between the two nations.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s unwavering support for India and assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government will actively prevent any use of Sri Lankan territory that could pose a threat to India’s security or regional stability.
“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,” Dissanayake said during a joint statement.
He underlined Colombo’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region and highlighted the strong and time-tested relationship between the two nations, built on mutual respect and shared interests.
President Dissanayake sought India’s support for early bilateral technical discussions on Sri Lanka’s claim to extend its maritime boundaries beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone.
The two leaders also explored opportunities in digital cooperation.
“Sri Lanka recognises the importance of developing a digital economy. Prime Minister Modi and I discussed collaboration in digitalisation across multiple domains,” he noted, thanking India for its ₹300 crore grant to implement Sri Lanka’s Digital Identity Project.
Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, President Dissanayake conferred Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, on PM Modi, stating, “He highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”
The visit also included the signing of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.
The MoU aligns with the shared vision of fostering partnerships for a common future, adopted during Dissanayake’s previous visit to India.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka accorded PM Modi a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square, a first for any visiting leader.
Despite heavy rain, six senior Sri Lankan ministers personally received Modi at the airport.
“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.
Following his arrival, Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessed a traditional Sri Lankan puppet performance.
He is also set to visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate India-funded development projects as part of his three-day state visit from April 4–6.
The talks in Colombo signify a continued commitment to deepening India-Sri Lanka relations across strategic, economic, and cultural spheres.
PM Modi’s visit marks his return to the island nation after five years, at a time when both countries are seeking stronger regional partnerships and people-centric development.
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