External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The high-level talks focused on exploring ways to deepen the bilateral relationship, with both leaders emphasizing the need for greater collaboration that would directly benefit the citizens of India and Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to President Dissanayake.
Honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi.
Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the
relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri… pic.twitter.com/bDIpaiT4te
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 4, 2024
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka for an official visit aimed at engaging with the island nation’s new leadership. The visit underscores India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, which focuses on maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Upon his arrival, Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm for the visit via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Good to be in Colombo again. Look forward to my engagements with the Sri Lankan leadership today.” The Minister was welcomed at the airport by Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.
Good to be in Colombo again. Look forward to my engagements with the Sri Lankan leadership today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 4, 2024
During his visit, Jaishankar is set to hold crucial meetings with newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. He will also engage in discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is India’s first high-level engagement with the new leadership following Sri Lanka’s 9th presidential election last month, which saw Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power assume office after defeating incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
Jaishankar’s visit comes at a pivotal moment in India-Sri Lanka relations, which have seen significant collaboration on international platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Both nations continue to work on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties.
Earlier, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, met with President Dissanayake to discuss the upward trajectory of India-Sri Lanka relations. The meeting emphasized the importance of the long-standing friendship between the two neighboring countries and explored avenues to further enhance cooperation.
