Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square on Saturday, as Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted him during his official State Visit. This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2014 and the first under the new Sri Lankan administration.

The welcome ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and several key cabinet members. Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening from Bangkok after participating in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

Despite heavy rain, crowds of Sri Lankans and Indian diaspora members gathered to greet the Indian leader. Top Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, welcomed him at the airport.

Taking to X shortly after landing, Modi wrote, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

President Dissanayake had extended the invitation during his first official visit to India in December 2024, a visit described by Sri Lanka as a “watershed moment” in bilateral ties.

Modi is now the first foreign leader to be hosted by the new Sri Lankan President, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the strength of the relationship, noting its foundations in shared history, culture, and civilizational links.

“Our partnership with Sri Lanka is built on mutual trust and goodwill. It has evolved into a robust economic, cultural, and technical relationship,” Misri said.

He recalled India’s vital assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022 and reiterated India’s commitment as a dependable partner in the region.

During his visit, PM Modi will hold comprehensive talks with President Dissanayake, reviewing progress on joint initiatives laid out in the “Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.” Bilateral agreements in areas such as energy connectivity, digitisation, defence, health, and development assistance are expected to be signed.

On Sunday, Modi and Dissanayake will visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate development projects supported by Indian aid. They will also visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a site symbolizing the historical and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.

The visit will also address sensitive issues such as the early release of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka. Misri reaffirmed India’s stance that such matters should be handled humanely and without the use of force.

Modi’s visit reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, focusing on stronger regional cooperation and connectivity. He is expected to return to New Delhi on April 6.