Colombo, April 5: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Colombo would not allow its territory to be used in any way that threatens India’s security, as the two countries elevated their ties with a landmark defence cooperation agreement.
For the first time, India and Sri Lanka signed a defence pact following talks between the two leaders in Colombo, signaling a strategic shift in bilateral relations. In addition, the two sides inked an agreement to jointly develop the Trincomalee port into an energy hub and another deal facilitating New Delhi’s multi-sectoral grant assistance for Sri Lanka’s eastern region.
Modi, who arrived in Colombo after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, was also conferred with the Mithra Vibhushana, the island nation’s highest civilian honour. “It is an honour for me to be awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana by President Dissanayake. It is also an honour for 1.4 billion Indians,” the prime minister said.
Referring to India’s sustained support during Sri Lanka’s moments of crisis, Modi said, “In every difficult situation, India stood with Sri Lanka—be it the 2019 terror attacks, the Covid pandemic, or the recent economic crisis.”
The Sri Lankan president acknowledged this sentiment. “India’s assistance in times of need and continued solidarity are deeply cherished,” Dissanayake told the Indian delegation. He also reaffirmed that Sri Lanka “will not allow its territory to be used in manner inimical to India’s security interests.”
The two leaders also inaugurated the Sampur solar power project via video conferencing, and several more agreements were signed during the visit, covering infrastructure, energy, and regional cooperation.
Before the talks, Modi received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square—a first for any foreign leader. The venue, steeped in history, commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948 and is central to the country’s national celebrations.
The visit marks a renewed chapter in Indo-Lanka ties, with both nations laying the groundwork for deeper strategic and economic engagement.
