Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago on an official visit. He was welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, and the Governor of Eastern Province, Senthil Thondaman.
“Look forward to my meetings with the leadership. Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies,” Jaishankar posted on ‘X’ following his arrival.
During his visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan leaders to discuss a wide range of partnership issues, according to the Indian High Commission in Colombo. This marks his first bilateral visit since the formation of the new government under Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
“Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underscores India’s commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and long-standing friend,” the High Commission stated. The visit is expected to accelerate connectivity projects and other collaborative efforts across various sectors.
In a recent meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in India, Dr. Jaishankar discussed the quick resumption of Indian-funded development projects in Sri Lanka, which had been previously halted. He also expressed his intent to visit Sri Lanka to oversee the progress of these initiatives.
Jaishankar has assured that he would coordinate the Indian Prime Minister’s visit and expedite the start of development projects funded by Indian investments. Additionally, he mentioned plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, aimed at attracting Indian and international investors.