Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at the Independence Square in Colombo on April 5, as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted him during his State Visit to the island nation. This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2014 and his first since President Dissanayake assumed office.
The ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and key members of Dissanayake’s Cabinet.
PM Modi arrived in Colombo late on April 4 evening from Bangkok following his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. The invitation for the visit was extended by the Sri Lankan President during his maiden official trip to India in December last year.
Despite heavy rains, hundreds of 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 with enthusiasm. Welcoming him at the airport were top ministers from the Sri Lankan Government, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena.
Shortly after landing, PM Modi took to X and wrote, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka considers Dissanayake’s State Visit to India last December a “watershed moment” in its bilateral ties with New Delhi.PM Modi now becomes the first foreign leader to be hosted by the new President, further cementing the deep diplomatic bond shared by the two countries. Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored the importance of the India-Sri Lanka partnership.
“The India-Sri Lanka relationship is deeply rooted in civilisational links, shared history, religion, culture, and strong people-to-people ties. In the modern era, it has evolved into a close economic, cultural, and technical partnership. Sri Lanka is an integral part of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and this relationship, built on mutual trust and goodwill, has stood the test of time,” he said.
