The latest engagements followed discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan officials on bilateral and maritime matters in Colombo…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Sri Lanka discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of Sri Lanka’s ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), and his delegation in New Delhi on Thursday.
Jaishankar said the meeting focused on strengthening the friendship and longstanding ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“A pleasure to meet Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Mr. Tilvin Silva and his delegation from Sri Lanka this morning. Had a good discussion on strengthening our deep bonds of friendship. As a trusted partner, India will always support Sri Lanka’s progress and prosperity,” Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
The meeting came as a Sri Lankan delegation led by Silva held a series of engagements in India covering governance, public service and bilateral matters.
On Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met the delegation and exchanged views on governance and public service.
Gupta said the delegation included Silva, Chandrika Adikari, MP Aboobucker Athambawa, Kabilan Suntharamoorthy and Kalpana Madhubhashini.
“Had a productive interaction with a delegation from Sri Lanka’s ruling political party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), led by General Secretary Mr Tilvin Silva, along with Smt Chandrika Adikari, MP Shri Aboobucker Athambawa, Shri Kabilan Suntharamoorthy and Ms Kalpana Madhubhashini,” Gupta stated on X.
She said the discussions included Delhi Government initiatives, governance practices and public services, while the Sri Lankan delegation shared its own experiences.
“We exchanged perspectives on governance and public service. Discussions on Delhi Government’s key achievements, best practices and ten major initiatives reflected how people-centric governance is bringing meaningful change to everyday lives. The delegation also shared similar initiatives and governance experiences from Sri Lanka,” she added.
Gupta also highlighted the civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka and their close people-to-people connections. She said such exchanges could deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, BJP Foreign Affairs Department In-charge Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale and Ashwin Johar from the Foreign Affairs Department also attended the meeting.
The latest engagements followed discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan officials on bilateral and maritime matters in Colombo.
Acquino Vimal, Additional Secretary for the United Nations Economic and Social (UNES) Division in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Tilani Silva, Legal Adviser to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held talks in Colombo on September 29 and 30.
The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka said the officials discussed maritime issues, exchanged views on bilateral matters and considered cooperation in multilateral forums.
“Dr. Acquino Vimal, Additional Secretary (UNES), MEA, and Ms. Tilani Silva, Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, held discussions on maritime issues and exchanged views on bilateral matters and cooperation in multilateral fora in Colombo on 29–30 September 2026,” the embassy posted on X.
India has also continued its assistance to Sri Lanka in the public health sector.
On Monday, India sent about three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines to Colombo aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.
“India remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s public health system. About three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines were dispatched to Colombo today aboard an IAF C130J,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The series of meetings and assistance comes as India and Sri Lanka continue engagement across political, governance, maritime and public health areas, with both sides maintaining contact through diplomatic and official channels.
