June 10, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe, attended the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, held on yesterday evening (09) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
The event saw the presence of leaders from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
The invitation extended to President Muizzu raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles due to the current strain in relations between New Delhi and Male.
President Wickremesinghe’s arrival in India earlier that day was marked by a warm reception at the Indira Gandhi Airport.
He was greeted by Additional Secretary P. Kumaran representing the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Indian Ocean Region Additional Secretary Mr. Puneeth Agrawal, and Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne.
The welcoming ceremony featured a captivating dance performance, showcasing Indian culture.
The swearing-in ceremony, led by Indian President Draupadi Murmu, was held in the evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
President Wickremesinghe’s visit garnered significant media attention in India, with billboards displaying his and Prime Minister Modi’s images across key locations in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral coalition secured victory in the Indian general election, spanning seven phases over 44 days.
Following this triumph, Modi was officially appointed as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance.
Accompanying President Wickremesinghe on this visit are President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Ms. Aruni Wijewardene, Government Information Director General Mr. Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms. Sandra Perera.
