Amarasuriya begins her first official visit to India, focusing on education, innovation, trade, and regional cooperation under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy…reports Asian Lite News
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit, marking her first trip to the country since assuming office. Amarasuriya, who will be in India till October 18, is scheduled to meet senior political leaders to discuss key bilateral issues and explore new avenues for cooperation across education, innovation, trade, and defence.
According to official sources, the visit aims to deepen the multi-dimensional partnership between India and Sri Lanka, in line with India’s “MAHASAGAR Vision” and “Neighbourhood First” policy.
During her stay, Prime Minister Amarasuriya will deliver the keynote address at the NDTV World Summit, jointly organised by NDTV and the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi. The summit will serve as a platform to highlight shared regional challenges and cooperation between the two countries, especially in education, innovation, and sustainable development.
As Sri Lanka’s Minister of Education, Amarasuriya’s schedule includes visits to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and NITI Aayog, where she will hold discussions on collaboration in higher education, research, and emerging technologies. The focus, officials said, will be on exchange programmes, innovation partnerships, and institutional linkages aimed at strengthening both countries’ education systems.
A distinguished alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, Prime Minister Amarasuriya will also return to her alma mater during the visit. As per the college’s schedule, the day’s events will begin at noon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by 16 NCC cadets, followed by a symbolic tree plantation on the college lawn and cultural performances by students at the Sanganeria auditorium.
In addition, the Sri Lankan leader will participate in a business event aimed at boosting trade and commercial linkages between the two nations. The event is expected to attract Indian and Sri Lankan business leaders, with discussions centred on investment, tourism, and regional trade opportunities.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “The visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Sri Lanka, advancing the deep and multi-faceted bilateral partnership. It will further strengthen the bonds of friendship, reinforced by India’s ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’ and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.”
The visit follows a series of recent high-level engagements between the two neighbours. In September, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Amarasuriya in Colombo, focusing on enhancing maritime cooperation and strengthening defence ties.
During the meeting, Amarasuriya, who has consistently emphasised the importance of maritime security, said she “underscored the strategic importance of the ocean for maritime nations and emphasised the imperative of collective efforts to safeguard this shared resource.”
She also highlighted the need for deeper collaboration on countering transnational challenges, including anti-narcotics operations, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine pollution, and terrorism at sea. The Sri Lankan leader stressed the importance of closer coordination in search and rescue missions, stronger information sharing, and expanded training ties between the navies of both countries.
The Indian Navy said in a statement that the meeting reflected the “shared vision” of India and Sri Lanka to “promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region through mutual trust and cooperation.”
Amarasuriya’s visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met in Colombo in April. During that visit, the two nations signed several key agreements aimed at deepening bilateral engagement across critical sectors such as energy, defence, digital transformation, and healthcare.
Among the major pacts concluded was the Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Import/Export of Power, which will allow both countries to exchange electricity during demand peaks. Other MoUs signed included those on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation, Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province, Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine, and Pharmacopoeial Cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also announced a comprehensive capacity-building programme in India, covering 700 Sri Lankans annually, aimed at developing skills in administration, digital governance, and innovation.
Additionally, India extended grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura. Cultural and religious ties were further underscored with the announcement of the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025.
Another milestone was the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring, part of India’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka’s post-crisis economic recovery.
Officials said Amarasuriya’s current visit will build upon these frameworks and lay the groundwork for expanded cooperation in new-generation sectors such as clean energy, digital connectivity, and maritime resilience.
Her presence in India is seen as a reaffirmation of Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional partnership and economic revival through cooperation with India, its largest trade partner and closest neighbour.
The visit, analysts say, also underscores the strategic depth of the India-Sri Lanka relationship—anchored in geography, culture, and shared democratic values—and reflects a mutual determination to ensure peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
