Colombo accords ceremonial honour at Independence Square for the first time to a foreign leader
Colombo, April 5 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Sri Lanka’s iconic Independence Square on Saturday, marking a historic moment as the first foreign leader to receive such an honour at the site.Modi was received by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, shortly after his arrival from Bangkok where he participated in the BIMSTEC summit. The ceremonial reception underscores the deepening ties between the two neighbours.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the moment on X, stating,
"PM @narendramodi was welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo. Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our people lie ahead."
Key Bilateral Talks Underway
Following the reception, Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake began high-level delegation talks aimed at enhancing cooperation across defence, energy, and digital sectors.Officials anticipate the announcement of nearly 10 major agreements, including a landmark defence cooperation MoU. If finalized, the deal would mark a significant shift in India-Sri Lanka defence relations, moving beyond the legacy of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) withdrawal over three decades ago.
Also on the agenda are agreements on energy cooperation, a currency swap arrangement, and support for Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, reinforcing India’s sustained commitment to its neighbour’s economic recovery.
India’s Support in Times of Crisis
India played a crucial role during Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis three years ago, offering financial assistance amounting to USD 4.5 billion. Indian High Commissioner to Colombo, Santosh Jha, described the aid as “unprecedented” in scale compared to any other nation.Projects and Symbolic Gestures
As part of the visit, Modi and Dissanayake will jointly dedicate several India-assisted development projects in Sri Lanka. They will also witness the virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur solar energy project, an important initiative in clean energy collaboration.Later today, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay a wreath at the IPKF memorial, paying homage to Indian soldiers who served during a turbulent chapter in bilateral history.
Strategic Future
This high-profile visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of stabilizing after a prolonged economic downturn. India’s sustained engagement—from financial aid to infrastructure and energy support—continues to solidify its role as a key regional partner.The outcomes of this visit are expected to chart a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, built on shared prosperity, regional security, and digital innovation.
Last updated by a enewsx:
