Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with President Anura Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The discussions centred on deepening the close bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, reaffirming their commitment to the joint vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”. During his visit to Sri Lanka, Mr Modi was honoured with the Mitra Vibhushan award by the Sri Lankan president, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The leaders participated in the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the Sampur Power Project, which will be executed jointly by NTPC and the Ceylon Electricity Board and aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security. India’s assistance has also facilitated the establishment of a temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla and the installation of solar rooftop systems in 5,000 religious institutions, adding 25 MW to the island’s power capacity. Prime Minister Modi also met the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and leaders from the Tamil parties.
The Prime Minister also paid respects by laying a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Monument in Colombo this evening. The Prime Minister had visited the monument earlier during his first visit to the island in 2015. Notably, the IPKF monument honours the sacrifice of the Indian Peacekeeping Force while they were deployed in Sri Lanka to ensure peace between 1987 and 1990. The monument was constructed in 2008 by the Sri Lankan government to memorialise the contribution of the 1169 personnel of the Indian forces who were killed in action and over 3000 wounded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on wide-ranging issues of bilateral relations. Speaking at the joint press statement, Mr Modi laid stress on India’s support for Sri Lanka and the Neighbourhood First Policy and Mahasagar vision. President Dissanayake thanked India and Prime Minister Modi for the support extended during several crises. He reaffirmed that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used in any manner inimical to India’s security or regional stability.
Both leaders highlighted the strategic importance of the Sampur Power Project in the island nation’s energy security and grid interconnectivity, which will enable Sri Lanka to export electricity. PM Modi announced that India has pledged support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity project and converted 100 million dollars in loans into grants over the past six months, with interest rates on financial assistance set to be reduced.
The Prime Minister also said that a 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupee package has been allocated for the Eastern Province, and the Maho-Omanthai railway line is set to be inaugurated tomorrow in Anuradhapura. Mr Modi also said that efforts will be made to ensure the construction of 10,000 houses for Upcountry Tamils will be completed soon. Apart from assisting in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee, India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya.
Defence cooperation was reinforced, with PM Modi welcoming the important agreements made in the area of defence cooperation. He advocated for a humanitarian resolution to the fishermen issue, calling for swift repatriation and the return of seized boats. PM Modi also expressed hope for the full implementation of the thirteenth amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution and the timely conduct of provincial elections.
In a significant gesture, PM Modi met with leaders of the Tamil community and stressed India’s unwavering commitment to equality, dignity and justice for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka. Following this, he paid tribute to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial. The day will conclude with a state banquet organized in honour of Prime Minister Modi.
