Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and President of Sri Lanka H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka held comprehensive discussions during President Dissanayaka’s State Visit to India from December 15–17, 2024.
The leaders reaffirmed the close cultural, civilizational, and geographical ties underpinning India-Sri Lanka relations and their shared vision for a mutually beneficial partnership.
1. Political Engagements
- Both leaders emphasized the importance of political-level exchanges to deepen bilateral ties further.
- They agreed to intensify leadership- and ministerial-level visits.
- The importance of parliamentary exchanges to share best practices and promote democratic values was acknowledged.
2. Development Cooperation
India’s development assistance has significantly contributed to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic growth. Notable highlights include:
- Ongoing Projects:
- Phases III & IV of the Indian Housing Project.
- Hybrid Renewable Energy Project on three islands.
- High Impact Community Development Projects across Sri Lanka.
- New Initiatives:
- Focused efforts for the Indian Origin Tamil community, Eastern Province, and solar electrification of religious sites.
- India’s extension of grant assistance for projects originally financed via Lines of Credit, reducing Sri Lanka’s debt burden.
3. Training and Capacity Building
The leaders agreed to enhance human resource capacity in Sri Lanka through:
- Training 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over 5 years through India’s National Centre for Good Governance.
- Expanding customized training for Sri Lankan officials in civil, defence, and legal sectors.
4. Economic Assistance and Debt Restructuring
- President Dissanayaka expressed gratitude for India’s $4 billion emergency assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
- India’s role as Co-Chair of the Official Creditors’ Committee was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.
- India also provided $20.66 million financial aid to settle project payments, reducing Sri Lanka’s debt.
Both leaders emphasized a shift from debt-driven models to investment-led partnerships for long-term economic stability.
5. Connectivity Initiatives
To enhance connectivity and economic collaboration:
- Resumption of Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry services was welcomed.
- Early recommencement of Rameshwaram-Talaimannar ferry services was prioritized.
- India will assist in rehabilitating Kankesanthurai port through grant assistance.
6. Energy Cooperation
The leaders identified energy as a key sector for collaboration:
- Implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and expansion of capacity.
- Discussions on proposals including:
- LNG supply to Sri Lanka.
- Establishment of high-capacity power grid interconnection.
- Multi-product pipeline collaboration between India, Sri Lanka, and UAE.
- Offshore wind power development in the Palk Strait.
- Trincomalee to be developed as a regional energy and industrial hub.
7. Digital and Technological Cooperation
India will support Sri Lanka’s efforts to adopt Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
- Expediting the implementation of Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI).
- Collaborating on DigiLocker, payment systems, and customized governance platforms.
- Facilitating UPI digital payments to promote cross-border transactions.
8. Education and Technology
To support innovation and human resource development:
- Collaboration in R&D sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, and digital economy.
- Strengthening ties between educational institutions.
- Partnerships between Start-up India and Sri Lanka’s ICTA to mentor Sri Lankan start-ups.
9. Trade and Investment
The leaders agreed to expand trade and investment through:
- Economic & Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations.
- Enhancing INR-LKR trade settlements.
- Encouraging Indian investments to boost Sri Lanka’s exports.
- Finalizing the bilateral Social Security Agreement.
10. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Recognizing agriculture as vital for food security:
- Collaboration on modernizing Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
- Development of the dairy sector to promote self-sufficiency.
11. Strategic and Defence Cooperation
The leaders reaffirmed their shared security interests and agreed to:
- Continue bilateral efforts on maritime surveillance, defence training, and disaster management.
- India’s provision of:
- Dornier aircraft for maritime surveillance.
- Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka.
- Explore a Framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
- Foster collaboration in hydrography, maritime security, and disaster relief.
12. Cultural and Tourism Development
To deepen cultural ties and tourism exchanges:
- Enhancing air connectivity and resumption of key flight routes.
- Promoting Indian investments in Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure.
- Establishing frameworks for religious and cultural tourism.
13. Fisheries Cooperation
Both sides agreed to address fisheries issues through:
- Humanitarian approaches and avoidance of violence.
- Discussions under the Joint Working Group on Fisheries to find lasting solutions.
- India’s support for Sri Lanka’s fisheries infrastructure development.
14. Regional and Multilateral Cooperation
- India welcomed Sri Lanka’s leadership in the IORA and supported its goals.
- Both leaders committed to strengthening regional cooperation through frameworks like BIMSTEC and the Colombo Security Conclave.
- India also welcomed Sri Lanka’s support for its candidature for the UNSC non-permanent seat (2028–2029).
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayaka agreed to ensure the timely implementation of agreed projects and initiatives, which will advance bilateral relations and contribute to regional stability.
President Dissanayaka invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka at the earliest convenience.