Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome in Colombo on Saturday as he began his first official visit to Sri Lanka since 2019. The visit marks a renewed push for regional cooperation, development, and cultural ties between the two close neighbours.
PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with both leaders warmly greeting each other before discussions began. The talks were attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. The two sides reviewed the progress made under the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”, which was adopted during President Dissanayake’s State Visit to India earlier this year.
The Prime Minister’s arrival on Friday was met with a strong show of warmth despite heavy rains. Six Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, welcomed him at the airport. Modi later posted on social media platform X, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka.”
In a historic gesture, PM Modi was honoured with a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square – a first for any visiting foreign leader. The symbolic event reflected the importance Sri Lanka places on ties with India, especially as both nations explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange.
Modi’s itinerary includes a visit to Anuradhapura, where he is set to inaugurate development projects supported by Indian funding. His trip also included an informal interaction with the Indian diaspora in Colombo, where he witnessed a traditional puppet performance, showcasing the enduring cultural bonds between the two countries.
PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka follows his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where he held bilateral meetings with leaders including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
As the visit continues, India and Sri Lanka are expected to deepen cooperation across sectors, reinforcing their commitment to a stable, prosperous, and interconnected South Asia.
