PM MODI’S VISIT TO SRI LANKA
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka on the night of April 4, 2025, for a 2 -day visit.
- This visit came shortly after PM Modi’s participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, marking it as part of a broader regional diplomatic engagement.
- Theme of the Visit: “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future”
- The visit focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, addressing key strategic, economic, and cultural issues, and signing several significant agreements.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
- Modi’s visit came after Sri Lanka experienced a major political shift in 2024, with the rise of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake from the National People’s Power (NPP)
- PM Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in September 2024.
- December 2024 saw Dissanayake’s first official visit to India, where both nations laid out a roadmap for future cooperation in a joint statement.
KEY UPDATES
- PM Modi’s Arrival and Welcoming Ceremony :
- Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport by five top Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
- PM Modi was also given a guard of honor at Independence Square in Colombo.
- It is marking his 4th visit to Sri Lanka in the last decade.
- Additionally, The ceremonial welcome was a reflection of the strong and deep-rooted ties between India and Sri Lanka, with both nations celebrating shared cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage.
BILATERAL TALKS: ADDRESSING KEY ISSUES
- PM Modi held extensive delegation-level talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Their discussions included several key areas:
- A significant defence cooperation agreement was signed.
- It is marking a moment in the relationship, particularly given the 35-year history since India withdrew its Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) from Sri Lanka.
- This agreement is expected to enhance both countries’ security and defence collaboration.
- Economic Support: PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, especially in light of the 2019 economic crisis and Sri Lanka’s financial distress in 2022.
- India had previously extended $4.5 billion in financial aid during the crisis.
- One of the major highlights of the visit was the signing of debt restructuring
- Over the past 6 months, India has converted over $100 million in loans into grants, helping Sri Lanka recover.
- India has also agreed to reduce interest rates to provide financial relief.
- Currency Swap Agreement: A separate currency swap agreement was finalized to stabilize Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves.
- It is a crucial aspect of their ongoing economic recovery.
INAUGURATED PROJECTS
- Several significant projects were launched:
- 5000 solar rooftop units installed at religious places across Sri Lanka.
- A temperature-controlled warehousing facility at Dambulla.
- The 120 MW Sampur Solar Power Project was also inaugurated by PM Modi and President Dissanayake.
- Both nations signed an agreement to develop Thirukoneswaram temple (Trincomalee). It is located in the east of Sri Lanka, as an energy hub.
- Sacred City (Anuradhapura), and the Sita Eliya temple complex (Nuwara Eliya) will receive Indian support for development.
- PM Modi also announced a comprehensive training program, supporting 700 Sri Lankan citizens annually in various skill development initiatives.
- This project is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s energy sector and create long-term economic opportunities.
- India also pledged multi-sectoral grant assistance for the eastern region of Sri Lanka, including support for infrastructure development and humanitarian aid.
CULTURAL & DIGITAL COOPERATION
- Cultural Cooperation:
- In alignment with the shared Buddhist heritage, PM Modi announced the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat would be sent to Sri Lanka for the International Vesak Day celebrations in May 2025.
- Digital Cooperation:
- Another MoU was signed to strengthen collaboration in the digital
- This pact will focus on enhancing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure and increasing cybersecurity cooperation between the two countries.
ADDRESSING THE FISHERMEN ISSUE
- The longstanding issue of Indian fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities was discussed.
- Foreign Secretary of India explained that the issue originated in 1974 when the international maritime boundary line was drawn.
- And escalated with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act of 1996 and subsequent amendments in 2018 and 2023, which imposed stricter penalties on fishermen violating Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
- PM Modi and President Dissanayake agreed on the need for a humanitarian approach to resolve the matter with further discussions expected to take place between the 2 governments to ensure the release of detained fishermen.
ADDITIONAL DIPLOMATIC EVENTS
- President Dissanayake requested PM Modi’s intervention to facilitate technical discussions regarding Sri Lanka’s claim to extend the continental shelf beyond its exclusive economic zone.
- Sri Lanka is seeking to assert its maritime boundaries in the United Nations.
- PM Modi also paid a visit to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) memorial, honoring the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka in the 1980s.
- PM Modi emphasized Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
MITRA VIBHUSHAN
- Award: Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour
- Awarded to PM Modi:
- Awarded by: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
- Reason: Recognized for his exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations and his role in promoting friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AWARD
- Mitra Vibhushana is Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour for foreign dignitaries who have shown deep friendship and solidarity with Sri Lanka.
- It is the foremost award granted to foreigners, ranking higher than other national honours like the Sri Lanka Ratna (equivalent to Bharat Ratna in India).
AWARD DETAILS
a. Medal Composition:
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- Silver medal studded with Navarathna (nine Sri Lankan gems).
- Globe surrounded by lotus petals, symbolizing global unity and harmony.
- Punkalasa (ceremonial pot with rice sheaves), symbolizing prosperity and renewal.
- Symbols of the Sun and Moon, representing the timeless nature of the relationship.
- Dharma Chakra at the center, signifying the shared Buddhist heritage of both nations.
b. Ribbon: Worn around the neck with a 5 cm wide ribbon.
HISTORY: Instituted: In 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
PAST DETAILS
a. 2008: The inaugural recipient was Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, recognized for his efforts in enhancing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
b. 2014: The award was given to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and former President Yasser Arafat (posthumously) for their contributions to international peace and cooperation.
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