Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a state visit to India from 15 to 17 December 2024, marking his first bilateral visit since assuming office in September, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Dissanayake will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss bilateral relations and mutual interests. He will be accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando.
The visit comes in response to an invitation extended by External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, during his Colombo visit earlier this year. Minister Jaishankar had met President Dissanayake and highlighted India’s commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
During his visit, Dissanayake is also expected to participate in a business event in Delhi to promote investment and trade linkages. He will also visit Bodh Gaya. The MEA stated, "The visit of President Disanayaka to India is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries."
EAM Jaishankar’s Colombo Visit, Meeting With Sri Lankan President
Earlier, during EAM Jaishankar’s October visit to Colombo, discussions included energy production and transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious sites, connectivity, and digital public infrastructure. These initiatives were aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s economic sustainability and providing new revenue streams.
Dissanayake acknowledged India’s economic support as vital to achieving his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka. He emphasised the potential for renewable energy exports to India, reducing production costs in Sri Lanka, and creating additional resources. He also recognised the significant role of Indian tourists in Sri Lanka’s economy and expressed optimism about increasing their numbers.
India has supported Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, providing financing assurances that facilitated the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. MEA confirmed India’s readiness to expedite the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding to further economic cooperation.
The President’s visit is expected to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two nations, with discussions likely to cover economic collaboration, regional security, and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.