President, PM meet Indian Foreign Secretary as Sri Lanka, India review key bilateral projects
COLOMBO – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya on Wednesday (5) held separate talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, reviewing bilateral cooperation, ongoing development projects and future collaboration in areas including energy, trade, education, technology and security.
Misri is on his first standalone official visit to Sri Lanka since assuming office as India’s Foreign Secretary.
During his meeting with President Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries and accelerating cooperation across priority sectors.
The President thanked India for its assistance during Sri Lanka’s 2022-23 economic crisis, humanitarian support following Cyclone Ditwah, reconstruction assistance and support provided to meet the country’s energy needs during the recent Middle East crisis.
The two sides also reviewed the progress of Indian-assisted development projects currently under implementation and discussed future initiatives.
President Dissanayake sought India’s continued support in combating illicit drug trafficking, describing narcotics as a growing regional challenge requiring closer cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The meeting also highlighted the need for greater regional collaboration to address the impacts of climate change.
Misri reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic and social development programs and assured India’s fullest cooperation in efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Discussions also covered expanding cooperation in technology, energy and trade for the mutual benefit of both countries.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Amarasuriya at Temple Trees, both parties discussed strengthening cooperation in priority sectors and reaffirmed the close, people-centric ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Special attention was given to Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms, with discussions focusing on expanding collaboration in digital education and improving access to quality learning opportunities. The two sides also explored ways to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Misri’s visit included meetings with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and representatives of Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.
The visit also served as a review of progress made under agreements reached during President Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.
India also reiterated its request for the early release of detained Indian fishermen and fishing vessels on humanitarian grounds, while encouraging Sri Lanka to hold Provincial Council elections and implement constitutional commitments relating to the aspirations of the Tamil community.
Misri reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties under its ‘Neighbourhood First’policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, describing Sri Lanka as a key regional partner.
-ENCL
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