Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome in Colombo on Saturday evening as hundreds of locals and members of the Indian diaspora braved heavy rain to greet him on his State Visit to Sri Lanka. The visit follows his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Top Sri Lankan ministers, 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, were present at Bandaranaike International Airport to receive him.

PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after landing: “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

This marks the first time President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is hosting a foreign leader since taking office, symbolising the deepening ties between the two nations. His December 2024 State Visit to India was described by Colombo as a “watershed moment” in bilateral relations.

India and Sri Lanka are set to sign multiple agreements during the visit, including an updated defence cooperation pact, and MoUs covering energy connectivity, digitisation, health, and grant assistance.

The two leaders will review progress under the “Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” adopted during Dissanayake’s visit to India. Discussions will also address restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt and regional issues of mutual interest.

PM Modi is also scheduled to travel with President Dissanayake to Anuradhapura on Sunday for the inauguration of India-funded development projects. They will visit the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a key symbol of India-Sri Lanka cultural ties.

A key agenda item is the issue of Indian fishermen. India has consistently advocated for treating the matter as a humanitarian and livelihood concern, urging Sri Lanka to avoid the use of force. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated the importance India places on the safety and welfare of its fishermen.

The Indian government has regularly raised the issue through diplomatic channels and during high-level meetings, including the one between Modi and Dissanayake in December 2024.

The visit is expected to enhance strategic, economic, and cultural ties, reinforcing India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy.