PM Modi likely to visit Sri Lanka in April
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Sri Lanka in the first week of April at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to local media reports on Wednesday.
The visit, likely to take place on April 5, aims to strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties and enhance the people-centric partnership between the two nations. It is speculated that PM Modi may stop in Colombo on his way back from Bangkok, which will be hosting the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit from April 2-4.
President Dissanayake extended the invitation to PM Modi during his official visit to India last December, marking his first foreign trip since assuming office in September 2024. During their discussions, both leaders pledged to enhance bilateral ties and set new standards for friendly and neighborly relations.
Labeling his visit to India as “successful,” Dissanayake emphasized the productive discussions he had with Indian leadership and the business community.
PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014. His last visit was in June 2019 to express solidarity following the Easter Sunday attacks. Before that, he visited Sri Lanka in March 2015 for a historic standalone bilateral visit and again in May 2017 as the Chief Guest for the International Vesak Day celebrations.
Following his bilateral talks with PM Modi in New Delhi last December, Dissanayake highlighted India’s critical support in helping Sri Lanka recover from its economic crisis.
“We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India supported us immensely to overcome it. India also played a crucial role in the debt restructuring process. PM Modi assured us of full support and reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Dissanayake.
He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is not used in any way that could threaten India’s security or regional stability.
“I have assured the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to India’s interests. Our cooperation with India will continue to flourish, and I reaffirm our unwavering support to India,” the Sri Lankan President stated.
