NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-day state visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, held high-level talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and oversaw the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors including defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade.
The visit also marked a significant diplomatic gesture as Sri Lanka conferred the prestigious Mithra Vibhushana medal on PM Modi — the highest such honour for a foreign leader.
Delegation-level talks held in Colombo
PM Modi and President Dissanayake held delegation-level talks in Colombo. The Indian side included external affairs minister S Jaishankar, foreign secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials.
The discussions reviewed progress under the Joint Vision for a Shared Future, adopted during Dissanayake’s earlier state visit to India.
Historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square
PM Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s historic Independence Square — the first time any foreign leader has received such an honour at the venue. The Square is typically reserved for Sri Lanka’s own national celebrations and is deeply symbolic of the island nation’s post-colonial identity.
“PM Narendra Modi was welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
India-Sri Lanka sign landmark defence cooperation pact
India and Sri Lanka on Saturday inked a defence cooperation agreement, signalling a significant step forward in strategic ties between the two nations. The pact was signed following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake in Colombo.
President Dissanayake assured Modi that “Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used in any manner that could threaten India’s security interests.” He also expressed gratitude for India’s consistent support: “India’s assistance to Sri Lanka in times of need and continuing solidarity are deeply cherished.”
The defence pact is seen as part of India’s broader efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Six other MoUs signed; focus on energy, digital and trade cooperation
Apart from the defence pact, six other MoUs were signed in areas such as:
- Energy cooperation, including the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub
- A framework to facilitate India’s grant assistance in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province
- Agreements in digital infrastructure, healthcare, trade facilitation, and regional development
PM Modi and President Dissanayake also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project, a key step towards Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition.
‘Mithra Vibhushana’ medal conferred on PM Modi
In a first-of-its-kind honour, PM Modi was conferred the Mithra Vibhushana medal by the Sri Lankan President in recognition of his leadership and role in strengthening bilateral ties.
This is the 22nd international honour Modi has received from a foreign government. The medal’s design reflects shared values: the Dharma Chakra for Buddhist heritage, Pun Kalasa symbolising prosperity, and Navarathna (nine gems) embedded in a globe, representing enduring friendship. The Sun and Moon signify the timeless nature of the India-Sri Lanka relationship.
The honour, as described by the Sri Lankan government, is a tribute to Modi’s commitment to regional cooperation, cultural revival, and spiritual diplomacy.
Warm airport welcome despite rains; diaspora interaction follows
Upon his arrival in Colombo on Friday after the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, PM Modi was welcomed by six Sri Lankan ministers, including the Foreign Minister and Health Minister.
“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi posted on X.
Later that evening, Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and attended a traditional puppet performance, highlighting the cultural bonds between the two nations.
India’s support during crisis praised; debt restructuring, currency swap on agenda
India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis — totalling $4.5 billion — was acknowledged as “unprecedented” by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
“It was a huge bit of assistance and we are continuing to work with Sri Lanka in providing it assistance in various areas and that is much appreciated here,” he told PTI.
India is also expected to assist Sri Lanka on debt restructuring and has proposed a currency swap agreement to support macroeconomic stability.
PM Modi to visit Anuradhapura; IPKF memorial wreath-laying on schedule
PM Modi is scheduled to visit Anuradhapura, where he will inaugurate Indian-funded development projects. He will also lay a wreath at the IPKF memorial, honouring Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka during the 1980s.