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External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar recently visited Sri Lanka, where he met with key leaders and expressed confidence in India's ongoing development and connectivity initiatives in the island nation. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of these initiatives in meeting the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people and contributing to their socio-economic progress.

 

During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. He reiterated India's strong support through various development and connectivity projects. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to call on PM Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka this 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 the people of Sri Lanka.”

 

Earlier that day, Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. The discussions focused on the progress made in various bilateral projects and initiatives.

 

Jaishankar and President Wickremesinghe jointly unveiled a virtual plaque to mark the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which was built with a USD 6 million grant from India. This initiative highlights India's commitment to enhancing maritime safety and cooperation in the region.

 

The EAM conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to President Wickremesinghe and discussed the future of India-Sri Lanka cooperation. They explored collaboration in multiple sectors including power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education, and tourism. Jaishankar expressed India's dedication to the steady development of the traditionally close and friendly ties between the two countries.

 

“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,” Jaishankar shared on social media. “Under President @RW_UNP’s guidance, discussed the way forward for the India-Sri Lanka cooperation, especially in power, energy, connectivity, port infrastructure, aviation, digital, health, food security, education and tourism sectors. Committed to working for the steady development of our traditionally close and friendly ties.”

 

During his visit, Jaishankar also participated in the virtual commissioning of the MRCC and the virtual handing over of 154 houses under the housing schemes of the Government of India.

 

He noted, “Joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers, and senior officials at the virtual commissioning of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and virtual handing over of 154 houses under GOI housing schemes.”

 

This visit marked Jaishankar’s first trip to Sri Lanka since the beginning of the new term. He expressed gratitude to Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman for their warm welcome.

 

The visit underscores India's continued commitment to Sri Lanka, its closest maritime neighbour, and is expected to add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.

 

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Jaishankar's visit demonstrates India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development and fostering stronger bilateral relations. The ongoing initiatives and projects highlight the deep-rooted ties and the shared vision for prosperity and stability in the region.