India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening bilateral relations to benefit both nations amid growing regional challenges.
During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, signaling India’s commitment to fostering strong ties with its southern neighbor.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the India-Sri Lanka relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties for the benefit of people of two countries and the region.”
He further emphasized the necessity of deepening ongoing cooperation to enhance the welfare of the peoples of both countries.
Jaishankar’s visit marks his first official engagement with Sri Lanka since Dissanayake’s election as President. Arriving in Colombo earlier on Friday, he held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, where the two leaders discussed a range of issues pertinent to their countries’ shared interests.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s economic reconstruction, highlighting the importance of their bilateral partnership in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
“Concluded wide-ranging and detailed talks with FM Vijitha Herath today in Colombo. Congratulated him once again on his new responsibilities. Reviewed various dimensions of the India-Sri Lanka partnership. Assured him of India’s continued support to Sri Lanka’s economic rebuilding. Our Neighbourhood First Policy and Sagar outlook will always guide the advancement of India-Sri Lanka ties,” he said on X.
Following the discussions, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released photographs of the meeting, highlighting the mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties.
In a post on X, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath welcomed visiting Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar at @MFA_SriLanka this afternoon and discussed a range of matters of mutual interest.”
Vijitha Herath, who assumed office on September 24 this year, is also the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media.
Dissanayake, a prominent leader of the leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party, won the presidency on September 22, a victory that has drawn attention from regional observers. Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Dissanayake, reiterating the island nation’s pivotal role in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which aims to promote cooperative efforts for sustainable maritime security.
(Inputs from ANI)