Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received with full ceremonial honours at Colombo’s Independence Square on Friday as he commenced a three-day visit to Sri Lanka aimed at bolstering regional cooperation and development ties.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed Modi at the historic venue, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a significant diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours. A formal guard of honour and national anthems set the tone for the visit.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was warmly received at his hotel by members of the Indian diaspora, who greeted him with traditional music and a puppet performance. The vibrant reception underscored the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties shared between India and Sri Lanka.
Modi's arrival in Colombo follows his visit to Thailand, where he met Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and participated in the BIMSTEC Summit. On the sidelines, the Indian Prime Minister also held several bilateral meetings, which served as a prelude to the ongoing leg of his regional tour.
Despite inclement weather, six senior Sri Lankan ministers were present at Colombo airport to receive Modi. The delegation included 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.
“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” Modi said in a post on X.
During his stay, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Anuradhapura, where he will inaugurate development projects funded by India. He will also review progress under the joint vision titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” during his bilateral discussions with President Dissanayake.
Vyasa Kalyanasundaram, affiliated with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo, lauded Modi's contribution to the global promotion of Yoga.
“His efforts have given it formal recognition and expanded its acceptance across Sri Lanka — from spiritual circles to mainstream wellness and corporate spaces,” he said.
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