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On Friday evening, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day official visit. Upon arrival, five senior ministers of the Sri Lankan government greeted him at the airport, offering a warm reception despite adverse weather conditions. This visit follows Prime Minister Modi's participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
The trip signifies a key diplomatic engagement between India and Sri Lanka, as both countries aim to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
India and Sri Lanka to Deepen Cooperation in 10 Strategic Areas
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold extensive discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The two leaders are expected to finalize agreements in approximately ten areas, including:
Defense collaboration
Energy security partnerships
Digitalization initiatives
This engagement comes at a time when Sri Lanka is beginning to recover from a prolonged economic crisis. In response to that crisis, India had extended a financial aid package totaling USD 5 billion to help stabilize the island nation.
Shared Vision for a Future-Oriented Partnership
Before departing for the dual-nation trip, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of reviewing progress on the “Joint Vision for a Shared Future.” This vision was jointly adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to New Delhi three months earlier and aims to guide the bilateral relationship moving forward.
Top Sri Lankan Ministers Welcome Indian Prime Minister
Despite rainy conditions in Colombo, five prominent Sri Lankan ministers welcomed PM Modi at the airport. Those present were:
Vijitha Herath – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment, and Tourism
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa – Minister of Health and Mass Media; Chief Government Whip
Dr. Anil Jayantha – Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development
Ramalingam Chandrasekhar – Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
Saroja Savitri Paulraj – Minister of Women and Child Affairs
Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena – Minister of Science and Technology
Their attendance underscored the importance Sri Lanka places on its diplomatic ties with India.
