Several key agreements, including on defence cooperation and development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, were signed following the bilateral discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, on Saturday.
Other MoUs signed included on Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Import/Export of Power; on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation; on Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province; on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine and on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also announced comprehensive capacity-building programme in India covering 700 Sri Lankans annually; India's grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; as well as the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.
The two leaders also jointly e-inaugurated High Impact Community Development Project in the field of agriculture, a first-of-its-kind 5000 MT temperature controlled warehouse in Dambulla and supply of 5000 solar rooftop units to religious places that span across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. They also participated in the virtual ground-breaking ceremony for the launch of the 120 MW Sampur Solar Project.
Some other key projects built with Indian assistance that will be inaugurated during PM Modi's ongoing visit include inauguration of upgraded railway track of Maho-Omanthai railway line and the launch of Construction of Signalling System for Maho-Anuradhapura railway line;
The visit of the Indian Prime Minister, undertaken at the invitation of President Dissanayake, reaffirms the shared vision of 'Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future' between the two nations.
Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, along with other senior officials also participated in the delegation-level talks.
The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with several other senior officials of the government of India.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by President Dissanayake upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat.
The official welcoming ceremony for PM Modi took place at the Independence Square in Colombo, under the patronage of President Dissanayake.
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was ceremoniously escorted to Independence Square with a Police Mounted Guard of honour, following which he was warmly welcomed by President Dissanayake.
The Prime Minister was received with full state honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour and gun salute, in recognition of his State Visit to the island nation. Subsequently, PM Modi inspected the Sri Lanka Armed Forces Guard of Honour.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.