“India Has Always Stood with Sri Lanka in Every Crisis”: PM Modi

Colombo:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday received the prestigious ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ award from Sri Lankan President Disanayaka, marking a significant moment in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. During a joint press statement, the Prime Minister described the honour as a tribute to the 140 crore people of India and a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Calling his fourth visit to Sri Lanka a moment of “great pride,” PM Modi recalled his 2019 trip during a difficult phase in the island nation’s history and expressed satisfaction at Sri Lanka’s progress since then. “India has always stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka – be it during the 2019 terror attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, or the recent economic crisis,” he said.

Modi applauded the resilience of Sri Lanka’s people and quoted Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar, emphasising the value of true friendship in times of adversity.

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

PM Modi noted that President Disanayaka’s choice of India for his first official foreign visit, and his being the first guest of the new Sri Lankan administration, symbolises the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s role in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’, Modi highlighted rapid progress in bilateral initiatives over the past four months.

Among major initiatives, he listed:

• Inauguration of the Sampur Solar Power Plant
• Agreement for a multi-product pipeline and energy hub development in Trincomalee
• Grid Inter-Connectivity pact for electricity trade
• Launch of 5,000 Solar Rooftop Systems for religious places
• Support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity project

Economic Relief & Development Support

The Prime Minister announced key financial support including the conversion of over $100 million in loans into grants and the signing of a Debt Restructuring Agreement. He also announced a reduction in interest rates and a LKR 2.4 billion package for socio-economic development in the Eastern Provinces.

Major infrastructure projects were also unveiled, including:

• Inauguration of the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line
• Foundation laying for ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ signalling systems
• Modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port
• Completion of 10,000 houses for the Indian Origin Tamil community

Training will also be extended to 700 Sri Lankan professionals, including MPs, judges, entrepreneurs, journalists, and youth leaders.

Security, Spiritual & Reconciliation Ties

Highlighting shared security interests, PM Modi welcomed new defence cooperation agreements and reaffirmed joint efforts through the Colombo Security Conclave. He also announced the upcoming exposition in Sri Lanka of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha discovered in Gujarat in 1960, as part of cultural outreach.

India will also aid the renovation and construction of key religious sites, including Thirukoneswaram Temple, the sacred city at Anuradhapura Mahabodhi Temple Complex, and Sita Eliya Temple.

On sensitive issues, both leaders addressed the fishermen’s dispute and agreed to adopt a “humane approach” with a focus on immediate release of detained fishermen and boats.

Reaffirming India’s support for reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka, PM Modi expressed hope that the island nation would fulfil the aspirations of its Tamil population, implement constitutional commitments, and conduct long-delayed Provincial Council elections.

“India-Sri Lanka ties are built on mutual trust and goodwill,” PM Modi concluded. “We will continue to walk together in this journey of progress and development.”