Indian Foreign Minister’s Visit Signifies Significant Progress in Indo-Sri Lankan Relations
Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, began his official visit to Sri Lanka with a significant meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President House in Colombo this morning (20).
This visit marks the first diplomatic exchange between India and Sri Lanka following the inauguration of the new government. Upon arrival, Minister Jaishankar was warmly received by Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to President on National Security and Chief of Staff. Subsequently, President Wickremesinghe held bilateral discussions with Minister Jaishankar to review the progress of ongoing development projects between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe and Minister Jaishankar jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts. Additionally, they handed over 24 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries.
The highlight of the event was the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), comprising a main centre at the Colombo Naval Headquarters, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and unmanned installations in strategic locations across Sri Lanka’s coastline. This initiative underscores the deepening maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
The meeting was attended by a distinguished delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Sabry PC, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha.
Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited Sri Lanka and met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This visit, the first since the new government took office, included discussions on ongoing development projects between the two nations. They unveiled a digital plaque for the Indian Housing Project and handed over houses to beneficiaries. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also commissioned, showcasing increased maritime security cooperation. The meeting was attended by dignitaries including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. This visit highlights the strong diplomatic ties and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
