Colombo, April 5 – The following agreements/MoU were signed by India and Sri Lanka during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Modi arrived on Friday evening and would leave on April 6 after visiting Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura.
1 MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Import/Export of Power Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary, Ministry of Energy Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary
2 MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Digital Economy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation. Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy, Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary
3 MoU between the Government of the Republic of India, the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and the Government of United Arab Emirates for Cooperation in Development of Trincomalee as an Energy Hub Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary, Ministry of Energy Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary
4 MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Defence Cooperation Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.) Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary
5 MoU on Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province Mr. K.M.M. Siriwardana Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Shri Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.
6 MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health & Mass Media of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Cooperation in the Field of Health & Medicine. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Mass Media Shri Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
7 MoU on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the Republic of India and The National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Mass Media Shri Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
S. No. Projects
1 Inauguration of upgraded railway track of Maho-Omanthai railway line.
2 Launch of Construction of Signalling System for Maho-Anuradhapura railway line.
3 Ground Breaking ceremony of Sampur Solar power project (virtual).
4 Inauguration of Temperature Controlled Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla (virtual).
5 Supply of Solar Rooftop Systems for 5000 Religious Institutions across Sri Lanka (virtual).
Announcements:
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi announced comprehensive capacity-building programme in India covering 700 Sri Lankans annually; India’s grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; as well as the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.
Modi-Dissanayake Bilateral
Modi held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake on Saturday during his visit to Colombo.
The two sides signed seven Memorandums of Understanding after the bilateral talks including an ambitious defence cooperation pact. The two countries signed an MoU to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. Another agreement was inked to facilitate New Delhi’s multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region.
Issuing a joint statement following the meeting, PM Modi said he hoped the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of Tamil people in the island country.
He also said that New Delhi expects the Colombo will “work in the direction of full implementation of the constitution, and fulfil their commitment of provisional council elections.”
During the joint statement, Modi noted that it was his fourth trip to the neighbouring nation and referred to President Dissanayake’s decision to choose India for his maiden foreign visit.
“This reflects the depth of our bilateral ties. Under our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR vision, Sri Lanka holds a special place. In the past four months since President Dissanayake visited India, there has been remarkable progress in our cooperation,” Modi said.
The two leaders discussed regional security with Dissanayake reaffirming “Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.”
On the fishermen’s issue, the two leaders agreed on a humanitarian approach as PM Modi said, “We should release them quickly and give them the boats, we also discussed reconciliation…”
President Dissanayake said he sought PM Modi’s intervention to take measures to stop the practice and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing…”
Modi, who was addressing the joint press brief with the Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, also quoted Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar, saying, “What could be bigger protection against the enemy if not the shield of a true friend and his friendship? President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had chosen India for his first foreign visit. Today, I am his first foreign guest here in Sri Lanka. It shows the depths of our special relationship. Sri Lanka has a special place in our neighbourhood first policy and mission SAGAR.”
Modi spoke on India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy during high-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting on Saturday, Modi highlighted the deep ties between the two nations and stressed the need for Sri Lanka to address the aspirations of its Tamil population.
“The security interests of India and Sri Lanka are deeply intertwined. Our partnership is crucial for regional peace and prosperity,” PM Modi stated. He further said, “We hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of Tamil people.”
Modi noted that President Dissanayake’s first foreign visit was to India, and his own visit to Sri Lanka underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. “Under our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, Sri Lanka holds a special place. In the past four months since President Dissanayake’s visit to India, we have made remarkable progress in our cooperation,” he said.
India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, launched by PM Modi in 2014, is a diplomatic initiative that prioritises strengthening ties with its immediate neighbours in South Asia. The policy focuses on fostering regional cooperation, connectivity, and stability. The policy primarily focuses on Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Modi honoured with the title Mithra Vibhushana
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ award, the highest award to a foreign head of state, by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today (05).
In a joint press statement alongside PM Modi, Dissanayake said, “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lankan honour to a foreign head of state/head of government- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. This prestigious honour, which was introduced in 2008, is conferred upon heads of states and government for their friendship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”
PM Modi thanked the President and said the honour is a “great matter of pride”.
“This honour is not just mine but it belongs to the 140 crore people of India. It is a tribute to the historic and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka. For this recognition, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake, and the people of this nation,” Modi said, while addressing a press meet following the talks.
“As Prime Minister, this is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka. My previous visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time. Even then, I had faith that Sri Lanka would rise, and rise stronger. I truly admire the courage and resilience of the people here. Today, seeing Sri Lanka once again on the path of progress fills me with happiness. It is a matter of pride for India that we have fulfilled our duty as a true and responsible neighbour and friend,” he said.
Hailing India’s contribution to Sri Lanka, Modi said, “in every difficult situation, India stood with Sri Lanka — be it the 2019 terror attack, Covid pandemic or the recent economic crisis.”
“President Dissanayake chose India for his very first foreign visit, and I had the honour of being his first foreign guest. This reflects the depth of our bilateral ties. Under our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR vision, Sri Lanka holds a special place. In the past four months since President Dissanayake’s visit to India, there has been remarkable progress in our cooperation,” the PM added in his address.
About the ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ Award
The “Dharma Chakra” reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations.
The “Pun Kalasa” (a ceremonial pot) adorned with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal.
The “Navarathna” (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals.
Finally, the “Sun and Moon” signify the timeless bond, stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future. Together, these elements beautifully capture the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the two nations.
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