Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a highly anticipated official visit to Sri Lanka on the evening of April 4, 2025, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit, which lasted until April 6, was aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and fostering deeper bilateral ties between the two nations. Modi’s arrival was marked by a warm reception and ceremonial events, signaling a new phase in India-Sri Lanka relations.
Ceremonial welcome and cultural exhibits
Upon his arrival in Colombo, PM Modi was received with a grand ceremonial welcome at the Independence Square. Despite heavy rain, six senior Sri Lankan ministers were present to greet the Indian leader at the airport, reflecting the importance of the visit. The ministers in attendance were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha; Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; and Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena. The visit’s cultural program included a traditional puppet show held at the hotel in Colombo, featuring Rukada Natya, or Sri Lankan string puppetry.
Professor Ankuran Dutta from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre emphasized that the performance was a unique rendition of the Ramayana, showcasing a scene from the Sundara Kanda. The performance told the story of the compassionate Trijata, Ravana’s servant, comforting Mata Sita by assuring her that Lord Rama would rescue her. Modi’s trip was further enriched with exhibitions of Indian and Sri Lankan cultural heritage, including Pali renditions of the Gita Govinda and Taal Nandasiri, alongside an audiobook on Indian moral stories. The puppetry performance, in particular, symbolized the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
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Engaging with the Indian diaspora
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi took time to engage with the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka, who gathered at Colombo airport to welcome him. Despite the adverse weather, the community’s enthusiasm was palpable, and the Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for their warm reception. Additionally, Modi took a moment to honor the sacrifices made by the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, acknowledging their contribution to maintaining peace during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict.
Inauguration of key development projects
PM Modi’s visit focused on advancing economic and infrastructural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. One of the key highlights of the visit was the inauguration of several vital projects aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and development. These projects included:
Maho-Omanthai Railway Line Upgrade: Modi inaugurated the upgraded 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line, which received financial assistance from India. This project, valued at $91.27 million, is a significant step in improving north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka.
Sampur Solar Power Project: The Prime Minister also launched the construction of the Sampur Solar Power project, which is expected to generate renewable energy for Sri Lanka, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The virtual groundbreaking ceremony underscored the importance of renewable energy in the region’s future.
Temperature-Controlled Agricultural Warehouse: In an effort to boost agricultural exports, Modi inaugurated a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla. This facility is designed to enhance the storage and preservation of perishable agricultural products, thus contributing to Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
Solar Rooftop Systems for Religious Institutions: In a notable gesture of goodwill, Modi flagged off the distribution of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka. This project aims to support sustainability and reduce energy costs for places of worship.
Meeting Tamil community leaders
A key component of PM Modi’s visit was his meeting with leaders from Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. During this interaction, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the Tamil community’s rights and dignity within a united Sri Lanka. He also reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring equality and justice for Tamils, emphasizing that the community’s welfare remains a priority in India’s foreign policy toward Sri Lanka.
Support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery
In his meetings with Sri Lankan leaders, PM Modi expressed India’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts. President Dissanayake praised Modi for his continued assistance, thanking the Indian government for its crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s growth and stability. Modi’s support aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, under which India has consistently assisted neighboring countries in times of need.
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Strengthening defense ties
Modi’s visit also witnessed significant progress in strengthening defense ties between India and Sri Lanka. During PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, the two countries signed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. This agreement seeks to improve maritime security, counter-terrorism collaboration, and the possibility of sharing defense assets to counteract China’s growing influence in the region. India’s growing defense exports, including arms manufacturing, may also play a role in these discussions.
Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award
In a gesture of recognition, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake conferred the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award on Prime Minister Modi. This honor is presented to foreign nationals who have contributed significantly to the development of Sri Lanka. The award further underscores the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Key announcements from PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka
Capacity-Building Programme: India and Sri Lanka unveiled a comprehensive capacity-building program in India, aimed at training 700 Sri Lankans annually. This initiative seeks to enhance skills and foster knowledge exchange between the two nations.
Grant Assistance for Religious and Cultural Projects: India has committed to providing financial assistance for the development of several significant religious sites, including the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Seetha Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.
Lord Buddha’s Relics Exposition: In a landmark move, India will facilitate the exposition of Lord Buddha’s relics from Gujarat in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025, further strengthening the cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
Debt Restructuring Agreements: Both India and Sri Lanka finalized Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring, marking a significant step towards addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the agreements signed during the visit would invigorate the longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka, enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
Video Highlights from Colombo: PM Modi shared a video showcasing the highlights of his productive day in Colombo, which included his meetings with President Dissanayake, discussions on various bilateral issues, and his tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial.
List of MoUs signed during PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka resulted in the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that aim to bolster bilateral ties and enhance strategic cooperation between the two nations.
HVDC Power Interconnection: An MoU was signed between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka for the implementation of HVDC interconnection to facilitate the import and export of power, promoting energy cooperation between the two countries.
Digital Transformation Collaboration: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka signed an MoU to share successful digital solutions, advancing digital transformation efforts in both countries.
Trincomalee Energy Hub: An MoU was signed by the Governments of India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates for cooperation in the development of Trincomalee as a key energy hub, enhancing energy security in the region.
Defense Cooperation Agreement: India and Sri Lanka also signed an agreement focused on defense cooperation, strengthening their military and security ties, and fostering enhanced collaboration in regional defense initiatives.
Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province: Another MoU was signed to provide multi-sectoral grant assistance for development projects in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, furthering economic and social growth in the region.
Healthcare Cooperation: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health & Mass Media agreed on a framework for cooperation in the fields of health and medicine, paving the way for enhanced medical collaboration.
Pharmacopoeial Cooperation: An MoU was signed between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, and Sri Lanka’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority to strengthen pharmacopoeial cooperation, ensuring quality and safety in medicines.
Meeting with the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team
PM Modi also took time to meet the iconic 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the Cricket World Cup that year. In a lighthearted exchange, Modi shared photos of his meeting with the team, noting that their victory captured the imagination of sports fans worldwide and brought pride to Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura visit and railway inauguration
On April 6, PM Modi visited Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred cities, accompanied by President Dissanayake. During this visit, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signaling system and the upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line. The Prime Minister also paid his respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, an important site for Buddhists, underscoring the spiritual dimension of his visit.
Addressing fishermen’s rights
Another key issue discussed during the visit was the protection of Indian fishermen’s rights in the waters surrounding the contested Katchatheevu Island. India and Sri Lanka reached an agreement to release detained fishermen and return their boats, signaling progress in resolving maritime disputes between the two nations.
Strengthening bilateral relations
As PM Modi concluded his visit to Sri Lanka, he expressed his gratitude to President Dissanayake and the Sri Lankan government for their warm hospitality. The visit reaffirmed the deep cultural, spiritual, and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka. It also set the stage for future collaborations in defense, energy, infrastructure, and other sectors. With new agreements signed, cooperation strengthened, and shared commitments outlined, the visit represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The prime minister’s visit reinforced the friendship of centuries and paved the way for a prosperous future built on shared interests, cooperation, and a commitment to peace and stability in the region.
