PM Modi receives grand welcome in Colombo; key deals on the agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Colombo on Friday evening. Top Sri Lankan ministers greeted him at Bandaranaike International Airport. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar led the reception. PM Modi arrived after concluding a two-day visit to Thailand.

Shortly after landing, PM Modi shared a message on X. He wrote, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

On Saturday morning, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake received PM Modi with a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square. This marks Dissanayake’s first time hosting a foreign leader since taking office.

Meanwhile, Indian-origin well-wishers welcomed PM Modi at the Taj Samudra hotel. He will stay there during his three-day visit.

During this trip, India and Sri Lanka plan to sign nearly 10 major agreements. These include key pacts in defence, energy, and digital cooperation. PM Modi and President Dissanayake will hold both one-on-one and delegation-level talks.

According to reports, the defence cooperation pact could be a major highlight. It signals a turning point in India-Sri Lanka ties. The agreement may open a new chapter in defence collaboration, decades after the Indian Peace Keeping Force withdrew from Sri Lanka.

Energy security will also take center stage. Both countries aim to boost cooperation in the sector. India plans to support Sri Lanka’s shift to renewable energy. On Saturday, PM Modi will virtually launch the India-assisted Sampur solar power project. The project marks a milestone in green energy cooperation.

Digital connectivity is another focus. Officials expect the two sides to ink agreements that will strengthen digital partnerships and promote cross-border innovation.

Importantly, the visit comes at a sensitive time. Sri Lanka is recovering from a severe economic crisis. Three years ago, the country faced major shortages and financial collapse. India stepped up during the crisis and extended $4.5 billion in aid. That support helped Sri Lanka stay afloat.

Now, both sides will unveil documents linked to India’s assistance. These include support for Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan and a currency swap deal to stabilise its economy.

PM Modi’s visit reflects India’s commitment to regional partnerships. It also signals New Delhi’s intent to deepen ties with its neighbours through development-led diplomacy.

Later during the visit, PM Modi and President Dissanayake will travel to Anuradhapura. They will visit the Mahabodhi temple and jointly inaugurate two India-backed development projects.

PM Modi last visited Sri Lanka in 2019. His current visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. As both nations look ahead, Saturday’s talks could shape a bold new phase in India-Sri Lanka relations.