March 28, Colombo (LNW): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka from April 04 to 06, with his visit expected to focus on deepening economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and energy connectivity.
His arrival marks the first official visit by a foreign leader to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, underlining India’s continued commitment to supporting its island neighbour.
A significant highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of key railway infrastructure projects in Anuradhapura, including track modernisation and signalling upgrades. These developments are part of broader efforts to enhance Sri Lanka’s transport network and improve regional connectivity.
Additionally, Modi is expected to launch the NTPC Sampur Solar Project in the Trincomalee district, a collaborative effort between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
This renewable energy initiative aligns with India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards sustainable energy, complementing earlier projects such as the $17 million programme to equip 5,000 religious institutions with rooftop solar panels.
Economic cooperation, particularly India’s role in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, will be a focal point of discussions. India was the first country to officially back Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts in early 2023, facilitating the nation’s $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In 2024, India, alongside France and Japan, participated in an agreement covering $5.8 billion of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt, further cementing its role as a key economic partner.
Energy and connectivity projects are also high on the agenda, with talks expected on advancing the India-Sri Lanka power grid connection. Plans involve establishing a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, a project led by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and CEB.
The initiative is projected to reduce Sri Lanka’s reliance on expensive thermal power and bring significant cost savings. Additionally, discussions will focus on progressing the India-Sri Lanka oil pipeline, a project in which the UAE has been playing an instrumental role, aimed at strengthening regional energy security.
Following his Sri Lanka visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on April 06, where he will offer prayers at the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga sites, in observance of Ram Navami.
His itinerary may also include a visit to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, a monument honouring Indian soldiers who served during the 1987-1990 peacekeeping mission.
