Colombo, Sri Lanka, witnessed a remarkable display of warmth and resilience on the evening of April 4, 2025, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the capital city amid torrential rain. Hundreds of locals, alongside a vibrant Indian diaspora community, braved the downpour to extend a rousing reception to the Indian leader, marking the start of his two-day state visit.
Hosted at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi’s arrival underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, with top Sri Lankan ministers joining the welcome party at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Top Lankan Ministers, Indian Diaspora Accord Grand Welcome to PM Modi in Colombo Amid Heavy Rain
A Rain-Soaked Welcome with High Spirits
Despite the heavy rain lashing Colombo, the enthusiasm of the gathered crowd remained undampened. Members of the Indian diaspora waved flags and cheered as PM Modi stepped off his plane, fresh from attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
In a special gesture, six prominent Sri Lankan cabinet ministers—Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena—stood in the rain to greet him, symbolizing the high regard Sri Lanka holds for its northern neighbor.
“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi posted on X shortly after his arrival, acknowledging the warm reception. The scene continued at his hotel, where diaspora members greeted him with excitement, one saying, “We are proud of the India he is building—shining like never before.”
Strengthening Bilateral Bonds
This visit, Modi’s fourth to Sri Lanka since 2015 and his first since 2019, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreign leader hosted by President Dissanayake since the latter assumed office in September 2024. The trip follows Dissanayake’s inaugural overseas visit to India in December 2024, a move that Colombo hailed as a “watershed moment” in bilateral relations. Building on this momentum, Modi’s agenda is packed with high-stakes discussions and symbolic gestures aimed at fostering a shared future.
On April 5, PM Modi will engage in wide-ranging talks with President Dissanayake, reviewing progress on the “Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” adopted during the Sri Lankan leader’s Delhi visit. The leaders are set to oversee the signing of multiple agreements spanning energy connectivity, digitization, defense, health, and multisectoral grant assistance.
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation is anticipated, marking a first in India-Sri Lanka military relations, alongside deals on debt restructuring and currency swap assistance—vital steps in Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery.
Cultural and Developmental Highlights
The visit isn’t just about diplomacy—it’s a celebration of shared heritage. Upon arriving at his hotel, PM Modi witnessed a traditional puppetry performance, Rukada Natya, depicting an episode from the Ramayana, a nod to the deep cultural links between the two nations. On April 6, Modi and Dissanayake will travel to Anuradhapura, where they will pay respects at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple and jointly inaugurate development projects funded by Indian assistance, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sampur Solar Energy Project.
The Sampur initiative, a joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity Board, highlights India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s energy security and sustainability goals. This comes amid ongoing talks to revive the Adani Group’s $1-billion renewable energy project, with negotiations hinting at a potential breakthrough during this visit.
Addressing the Fishermen Issue
A key topic on the table is the longstanding fishermen dispute, a humanitarian and livelihood concern for both nations. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Modi to secure an agreement protecting Indian fishermen’s rights near Katchatheevu, an issue marked by arrests and boat seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s consistent efforts to address this through diplomatic channels, a priority Modi is expected to raise with Dissanayake.
A Milestone in Regional Cooperation
As Modi’s visit concludes on April 6, it promises to leave a lasting imprint on India-Sri Lanka relations. From defense pacts to energy partnerships, the outcomes will reinforce India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Sri Lanka’s pivotal role within it. The rain-soaked welcome in Colombo was more than a gesture—it was a testament to the enduring trust and goodwill that define this partnership, even in the face of challenges.
Stay tuned to Business Connect Magazine for the latest updates as this historic visit unfolds!
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