As he began his first trip to Sri Lanka in his third term, Prime Minister Modi was greeted by a ceremonial guard of honor on Saturday. Amid worries over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean area, both nations are anticipated to sign significant agreements in the fields of trade, energy, digital infrastructure, defense, and health.
This is the first visit by a foreign leader since Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in Sri Lanka last year, and the first by PM Modi since he started his term in 2024. Additionally, it follows Dissanayake’s December state visit to India, which was his first since taking office. PM Modi will be advancing India’s effort to assist Sri Lanka in its reconstruction following the island nation’s devastating economic crisis in 2022 during this visit.
In order to meet the island nation’s expanding energy needs, he is anticipated to sign important contracts such as the joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation for a 120 megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee. There will also be discussions about maritime security, trade, and defense. The visit by PM Modi coincides with Tamil Nadu passing a resolution to reclaim Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka, a contentious topic for the state’s fishermen because of the long-running conflict over fishing rights surrounding the 285-acre island.
All eyes will be on the defence contract scheduled to be brought up today. Since the Indian Peacekeeping Mission was compelled to leave more than thirty years ago, the agreement, if it is signed, would usher in a new era in India’s defense relations with its neighbor. This deal would bring New Delhi and Colombo closer strategically in terms of equipment support, military drills, and cooperative maritime surveillance.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the new leftist president of Sri Lanka who came to power following the overthrow of the Rajapaksas in a popular uprising, thanked India during his most recent visit for its “positive and impactful role” in helping the island nation develop in the face of its crippling debt crisis. During the economic crisis of 2022, Dissanayake was referring to India’s assistance in obtaining a much-needed USD 2.9 billion IMF bailout.
Since Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in India’s maritime security, President Dissanayake’s assurance that it will not “permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India… as well as towards regional stability” was seen as a welcome step by Delhi last year.
At approximately 9:10 a.m., PM Modi was given a formal welcome. PM Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart will then meet behind closed doors at 10:20 a.m. Around 11 a.m., delegation-level discussions will take place after this. Key agreements will be signed by the leaders of the two nations at approximately 11:30 a.m., and PM Modi will launch a number of virtual initiatives in Sri Lanka.
At the invitation of Sri Lankan leaders, PM Modi will pay a visit to the Taj Samudra Hotel in the evening. In the afternoon, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit and lay a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial. President Dissanayake will honor PM Modi with a banquet at 7:30 p.m.
