Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday stressed that his administration “will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.” He was speaking after holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Colombo.

Sri Lanka's Dissanayake honoured Prime Minister Modi with the Mitra Vibhushana — the country's highest civilian award given to a foreign head of state. PM Modi said, “We believe that our security interests are similar. The security of both countries is interlinked and dependent on each other. I am grateful to President Dissanayake for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements concluded in defence cooperation. We also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.” The two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement, as well as agreements on power, healthcare, digital technology, and a special aid package for Sri Lanka’s eastern provinces.

PM Modi stated, "We also discussed' reconstruction and reconciliation' in Sri Lanka with regard to ethnic Tamil minorities." “President Dissanayake told me about his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamils. And will fulfil its commitment to the full implementation of the Constitution in Sri Lanka, and to hold Provincial Council Elections,” he added.

Dissanayake said, “We are on a journey towards change, and this is to have a country with economic progress, social equality and justice, and any citizen of the country should have a path towards prosperity in this backdrop. So as historical friends and neighbours, we should work together to develop a prosperous future for our countries and the peoples.” On the issue of fishermen, PM Modi said, “We agreed that we should move forward with a humanitarian approach in this matter. We also emphasised the immediate release of fishermen and the return of their boats.”

In this context, Dissanayake sought a ban on fishing by bottom trawlers and sought Modi’s intervention, “…recognising the irreparable ecological damage caused by bottom trawling, which is a banned practice in both countries…required measures (are) to be taken to stop this practice.” Highlighting that this was his fourth visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi said, “…my last visit happened in 2019 during a sensitive time. At that time, I had this belief that Sri Lanka would rise and rise stronger. I appreciate the patience and courage of the people of Sri Lanka. Today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka on a path of progress again. It makes me feel proud that we have stood with Sri Lanka like a true neighbour. Be it the terrorist attack of 2019, the Covid pandemic or the recent financial crisis, we have always stood up with the people of Sri Lanka.” Dissanayake shared with the Prime Minister that Sri Lanka deeply values India’s support and continued friendship, especially during difficult times.

Both countries signed a key agreement to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. They also officially launched the Sampur solar power project through a virtual ceremony. “The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help in Sri Lanka’s energy security. All the people of Sri Lanka will benefit from the agreements signed for building a multi-product pipeline and developing Trincomalee as an energy hub,” Modi said. The grid inter-connectivity agreement between the two countries will offer up alternatives for Sri Lanka to export electricity, he noted.

PM Modi stated Sri Lanka has a “special place” in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’. "Our cooperation has advanced significantly in the four months since President Dissanayake's visit to India," he stated. Prime Minister Modi held talks with Sri Lankan leader Dissanayake a day after reaching Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. He had just completed his visit to Bangkok, where he attended the BIMSTEC summit — a gathering of countries around the Bay of Bengal to discuss cooperation in different areas.

Before the talks began, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s historic Independence Square — marking the first time such an honour was given to a foreign leader. President Dissanayake welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the Square, the venue for the national day celebrations. This place is named after the Independence Memorial Hall, which was built to honour Sri Lanka’s freedom from British rule in 1948.

Even though it was raining, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at the airport on Friday night by six senior Sri Lankan ministers. These included Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena.

On Saturday, President Dissanayake presented Modi with the Mithra Vibhushana award to recognise his efforts in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. This award is Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour and was introduced in February 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.