By: Isuru Parakrama
November 19, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to undertake his first official overseas visit to India in mid-December, signalling the strengthening of ties between Colombo and New Delhi.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the trip following his swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the significance of this engagement for Sri Lanka’s new administration.
During his visit, President Dissanayake is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, regional stability, and cultural exchange.
This meeting comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen cooperation, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.
The invitation for the visit was first extended by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during his trip to Colombo in October, a gesture that highlighted India’s proactive approach to fostering ties with Sri Lanka under its new leadership.
Interestingly, the groundwork for this visit was laid even before President Dissanayake assumed office. As leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, Dissanayake was invited to India earlier this year to discuss his vision for Sri Lanka.
This rare move demonstrated India’s keen interest in engaging with emerging leaders in its neighbourhood and recognising the potential for collaboration with Dissanayake’s political ideology, which emphasises transparency and grassroots development.
Although the pre-election visit did not materialise due to scheduling constraints, it set the stage for continued dialogue, culminating in the forthcoming state visit.
Herath emphasised the importance of President Dissanayake’s visit, describing it as a vital step in fortifying the bilateral relationship.
“This visit reflects the mutual respect and shared goals between our nations. It is an opportunity to address key issues and explore new avenues of partnership,” he stated.
Sri Lanka’s new government is expected to prioritise regional cooperation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with India playing a central role in fostering economic recovery and ensuring regional security.
