External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Colombo on October 4, 2024, where he met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar also engaged with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sajith Premadasa.
In discussions with Foreign Minister Herath, Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. He assured that India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka, focused on local priorities, would continue. Notably, India has offered to modernize the Kankesanthurai port with a grant of USD 61.5 million and has proposed converting USD 20 million in payments for completed Line of Credit projects into a grant. Additionally, India will gift 22 diesel locomotives to the Sri Lankan Railways.
During his meeting with President Dissanayake, Dr. Jaishankar discussed key initiatives in energy production, transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious sites, digital infrastructure, health, and dairy development. He emphasized that these initiatives would support Sri Lanka’s economic sustainability and generate new revenue streams. President Dissanayake acknowledged India’s critical role in advancing his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka, highlighting the potential export of renewable energy to India as a means of reducing production costs and creating additional resources. He also recognized the contributions of Indian tourists and expressed optimism for further growth in tourism.
In talks with Prime Minister Amarasuriya, Dr. Jaishankar discussed facilitating Indian investments, job creation in Sri Lanka, and expanding the flow of Indian tourists. He also highlighted India’s readiness to support Sri Lanka’s training and capacity-building needs, with a particular focus on digital public infrastructure.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, Dr. Jaishankar underscored India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic stability and recovery. He recalled that India was the first country to provide financing assurances, which enabled the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to finalize its Extended Fund Facility. He reaffirmed India’s backing in the Official Creditors’ Committee concerning Sri Lanka’s agreement with International Sovereign Bond holders and expressed India’s willingness to expedite the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka. The President conveyed his gratitude for India’s support in this regard.
On security and defense, the meetings emphasized the closely intertwined interests of both nations, with cooperation seen as vital for regional stability. Both sides recognized the importance of ongoing dialogue to build trust, transparency, and mutual sensitivity. The Sri Lankan President reiterated that Sri Lankan territory would not be used in a manner detrimental to India’s security interests.
Dr. Jaishankar also raised concerns about the detention of Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka, urging their early release along with their boats, and reconsideration of the heavy fines imposed. He advocated for a humanitarian approach that focuses on livelihood issues to provide a durable solution. He welcomed the release of 50 Indian fishermen on the same day and proposed timely meetings of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries and Fishermen Associations.
On the ethnic issue and reconciliation, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the aspirations of all Sri Lankan communities, including Tamils, for equality, justice, dignity, and peace. He emphasized that maintaining the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Sri Lanka is crucial. He also stressed the need for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the early conduct of Provincial Council elections to advance these objectives.
Finally, Dr. Jaishankar extended an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Dissanayake for an official visit to India at a mutually convenient time.
