India – Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future

By Editor On Dec 16, 2024

Strengthening Ties: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Landmark Visit to India

New Delhi, India – December 15, 2024: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka has arrived in India for his ﬁrst ofﬁcial foreign visit since assuming ofﬁce. Welcomed warmly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key Indian dignitaries, this visit marks a signiﬁcant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, underscoring mutual trust, shared goals, and the historical bond of friendship.
During his engagements, President Dissanayake, alongside PM Modi, unveiled a forward-looking vision for the Indo-Sri Lanka partnership. Key areas of focus included economic cooperation, energy connectivity, defense collaboration, and people-to-people relations. The discussions signaled a commitment to investment-driven growth, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in achieving regional stability and development.
Key Announcements:
1. Connectivity Projects:
◦ Advancements in the electricity grid and multi-product petroleum pipeline between India and Sri Lanka.
◦ Expedited implementation of the Sampur Solar Power Project.
◦ New ferry services, including the Rameswaram-Thalaimannar route, to enhance connectivity and boost tourism.
2. Economic & Development Initiatives:
◦ India’s $5 billion in Lines of Credit and grant assistance continues to support vital projects across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
◦ Grant funding was announced for the modernization of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signaling system and the Kankesanthurai Port.
◦ Monthly scholarships for 200 university students from Jaffna and the Eastern Province starting next year.
◦ Training of 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants in India over the next ﬁve years.
◦ Expanded cooperation in agriculture, dairy, ﬁsheries, housing, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
3. Digital and Educational Collaboration:
◦ Collaboration on Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity Project.
4. Defense and Security:
◦ A decision to ﬁnalize the Defense Cooperation Agreement, along with increased cooperation on hydrography.
◦ Enhanced collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and humanitarian assistance.
5. Cultural & Tourism Exchange:
◦ Strengthened efforts to realize the potential of the “Buddhist Circuit” and “Ramayana Trail” to promote cultural tourism.
◦ Celebration of shared cultural ties, such as recognizing the Pali language as a Classical Language in India.
6. Fishermen’s Livelihood and Reconciliation:
◦ Discussions on adopting a humanitarian approach to address ﬁshermen’s livelihood issues.
◦ Emphasis on inclusive governance in Sri Lanka, including the aspirations of the Tamil community, implementation of constitutional provisions, and conducting Provincial Council Elections.
A Message of Unity
President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India’s steadfast partnership, recognizing its role as a reliable ally in Sri Lanka’s development journey. PM Modi reafﬁrmed India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka, emphasizing a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress in South Asia.
Spiritual Engagement
The visit also includes a special trip to Bodh Gaya, reﬂecting the two countries’ deep cultural and spiritual ties.
This state visit, infused with hope and vision, lays a strong foundation for a transformative chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, further advancing a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Indo-Lankan Media Friendship
Email: indolankanmediafriendship@gmail.com Phone: TP: +94 715399847

The Indo-Lankan Media Friendship (ILMF) is a non-profit organization promoting media cooperation and fostering friendship between India and Sri Lanka. The ILMF brings together journalists, media professionals, and organizations from both countries to collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and build bridges of understanding.

Indo-Lankan Media Friendship (ILMF), No: 2/2, 196A, Highlevel Road, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
TP: +94 715399847 | indolankanmediafriendship@gmail.com