New Delhi, June 21 - In his first bilateral visit since the formation of the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar traveled to Colombo on June 20, 2024.
During the visit, EAM Jaishankar met with the top leadership of Sri Lanka, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, as well as his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. The discussions will covered a wide range of partnership issues, adding momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.
What Was The Discussion About?
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar will engage in high-level discussions with Sri Lankan leaders, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. These meetings will cover a range of partnership topics, focusing on connectivity projects and other areas of mutual benefit.
Connectivity Projects:
The discussions aim to add momentum to ongoing projects, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in various sectors. President Wickremesinghe highlighted ongoing negotiations for the sale of surplus renewable energy to India. A feasibility study for establishing a power line connection between the two nations is currently underway, with further discussions expected during Jaishankar’s visit. Additionally, a pre-feasibility study for a land connection between Sri Lanka and India has been completed, with a full feasibility study planned for the near future.
Development Projects:
A significant highlight of the visit will be the joint inauguration of several development projects supported by India. These include the handover of 48 houses under the Model Village Housing Project in Colombo and Trincomalee districts, and the handover of 106 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya Districts. Moreover, the commissioning of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, established with an Indian grant of USD 6 million, will be jointly inaugurated.
Strategic And Economic Dialogue:
Jaishankar’s visit aims to review and accelerate the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka partnership, with key focus areas including the Vision Document. This document, adopted by President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Modi during the former’s visit to India in July 2023, will be a central topic of discussion. The talks will emphasize promoting connectivity in energy, infrastructure, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. A notable project under discussion is the establishment of an industrial zone in Trincomalee, planned by the Indian government to attract both Indian and international investors.
Meetings With Leadership:
EAM Jaishankar met with various Sri Lankan leaders, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry. Other key ministers, such as the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, and Minister of Power and Energy, will also participate in these discussions.
Additionally, Jaishankar will meet with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and leaders from various political parties in the North, East, and upcountry regions. These discussions across party lines underscore the shared vision of a stronger India-Sri Lanka partnership for regional growth and prosperity.
Lastly,
EAM Jaishankar also met with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and leaders from various political parties. Across party lines, there was a consensus on the benefits of a stronger India-Sri Lanka partnership for the growth and prosperity of both nations.
The visit of EAM Jaishankar emphasizes Sri Lanka’s central role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and SAGAR Vision. It highlights the priority of forging deeper long-term economic cooperation to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and mutual prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Through high-level discussions with Sri Lankan leaders, the visit aims to enhance connectivity projects, inaugurate key development initiatives, and strengthen strategic and economic ties. The emphasis on mutual cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges highlights the multifaceted nature of the India-Sri Lanka partnership.