Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo
Colombo, Apr 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday during his state visit to Sri Lanka, marking his first visit since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office.
This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to the island nation since 2014 and comes at the invitation of the Sri Lankan President, who had visited India on his maiden foreign tour in December last year.
Despite heavy rain, hundreds of enthusiastic Sri Lankans and members of the Indian diaspora lined the streets and gathered outside Bandaranaike International Airport and the hotel to greet the Indian leader.
PM Modi, who arrived from Bangkok after attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, was received by top Sri Lankan ministers including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha and others.
Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister posted, "Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka."
The ceremonial welcome at Independence Square was also attended by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and key Cabinet members, reflecting the importance Colombo places on ties with New Delhi.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the India-Sri Lanka partnership as rooted in civilisational and historical ties, further strengthened by India’s proactive assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold comprehensive discussions with President Dissanayake on bilateral cooperation under the "Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future." Multiple agreements are expected to be signed in areas including energy, defence, digitisation, health, and grant assistance.
On Sunday, the two leaders will travel to Anuradhapura to inaugurate Indian-funded development projects and visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a symbol of the deep cultural and religious ties between the two nations.
The agenda also includes talks on the long-pending issue concerning Indian fishermen, with PM Modi expected to reiterate India’s position for a humanitarian resolution and early repatriation of detained fishermen and boats.
The visit is being seen as a reaffirmation of India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to regional partnership and mutual growth. PM Modi is scheduled to return to New Delhi on April 6.