Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended a formal invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka during a joint media briefing held in New Delhi this afternoon. The meeting underscored strengthened bilateral ties and commitments to regional cooperation.
President Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to India’s security concerns, assuring that the island nation would not allow its territory to be used in ways “detrimental to the interest of India.”
“I have given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any manner that is detrimental to the interest of India. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish, and I want to reassure our continued support for India,” he stated.
Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the sentiments, affirming the interconnected nature of both countries’ security interests. He announced plans to finalize the Defence Cooperation Agreement soon and highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in maritime and regional security.
“We completely agree that our security interests are interlinked. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe the Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security, and development,” PM Modi remarked. He outlined enhanced cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, combating smuggling and organized crime, and disaster relief initiatives.
Strengthened Developmental Partnerships
Highlighting India’s robust support for Sri Lanka’s development, Prime Minister Modi noted that India has provided $5 billion in line of credit and grant assistance. He underscored India’s developmental engagement across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, with project selections aligned to Sri Lanka’s priorities.
“From next year, monthly scholarships will be given to 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province. Additionally, in the next five years, 1,500 civil servants of Sri Lanka will receive training in India,” PM Modi announced as part of new initiatives under India’s developmental cooperation program.
Both nations also signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), further cementing their bilateral partnership.
The discussions and agreements reflect a renewed commitment to fostering regional peace, economic development, and people-to-people ties rooted in shared civilizational values.
