External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on his first bilateral engagement to Sri Lanka since the new government took charge, marking a significant step in strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties. During his visit, he met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo, where they jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts.
The two leaders also handed over 48 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries. Furthermore, they jointly commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, a $6 million project funded by India, highlighting New Delhi’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with its neighbor. The center, located at Navy Headquarters in Colombo, has sub-centers in Hambantota and unmanned installations in Galle, Arugambay, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kallarawa, Point Pedro, and Mollikulam.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education, and tourism. He expressed appreciation for the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives during his discussions with President Wickremesinghe.
“Honoured to call on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated the progress made on various bilateral projects and initiatives. Under President @RW_UNP’s guidance, discussed the way forward for the 🇮🇳 🇱🇰 cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties,” he added.
Jaishankar’s visit also included meetings with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. During his meeting with the Prime Minister, he reiterated India’s strong support for Sri Lanka through development and connectivity initiatives. “Pleased to call on PM Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka today afternoon. Reiterated India’s strong support through development and connectivity initiatives. Confident that our development assistance and capacity building programs will keep delivering for the aspirations of… pic.twitter.com/kM5nX5TXBR,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In his meeting with Foreign Minister Sabry, Jaishankar discussed prospects for capacity building and shared engagement, along with greater multilateral cooperation, particularly in BIMSTEC, IORA, and the UN. “Warm interaction with Foreign Minister @alisabrypc of Sri Lanka. Our discussion covered further prospects in capacity building and shared engagement. Also exchanged perspectives of greater multilateral cooperation, especially in BIMSTEC, IORA and the UN. 🇮🇳 🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/B7vyBp7MNK,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Jaishankar’s visit also included discussions on the progress of all ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka, as well as preliminary arrangements for a potential visit by Prime Minister Modi to the island nation. Upon his arrival in Colombo, he was welcomed by Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senthil Thondaman, Governor of the Eastern Province.
“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership,” Jaishankar posted on X. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s central role in India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.
Under its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, India aims to develop friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbors. SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is India’s vision and geopolitical framework for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Jaishankar’s trip to Sri Lanka marks his first standalone bilateral visit after assuming charge as the external affairs minister for the second term on June 11. He was part of Prime Minister Modi’s delegation at the G7 Outreach summit in Italy’s Apulia region last week. Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe was among the seven top leaders from India’s neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9.
Jaishankar’s previous visit to Colombo was in October 2023 for the 23rd Council of Ministers’ meeting and the 25th Committee of Senior Officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
