A 24-member Sri Lankan delegation, comprising young political leaders from 14 different parties, began a two-week visit to India on Wednesday aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

The delegation met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi to discuss deepening ties between the two countries. During the interaction, Misri underscored the critical role of young leaders in shaping the future roadmap of the India-Sri Lanka partnership.

“A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from 14 political parties of Sri Lanka called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. The ministry emphasized the delegation’s role as key stakeholders in strengthening bilateral engagement.

The discussions also touched upon regional geopolitical trends and key security agreements signed between India and Sri Lanka. The visit reflects India’s broader diplomatic commitment under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.

The delegation includes Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, 20 Members of Parliament, and four senior officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament, including the Secretary General.

Ahead of the visit, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha had met the group in Colombo and discussed India’s support for cross-party cooperation and shared regional goals.

This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Sri Lanka in April, where he became the first foreign leader to visit since President Anura Kumara Disanayaka took office in September 2024. PM Modi announced a capacity-building package for 700 Sri Lankan citizens annually and signed debt restructuring agreements.

India and Sri Lanka share a 2,500-year-old civilisational bond and continue to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.