EAM S Jaishankar Meets Sri Lanka’s New President Dissanayake, Discusses Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

Colombo: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations to benefit both nations. This marks President Dissanayake’s first interaction with a foreign minister since his recent election.

Jaishankar conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to the Sri Lankan leader. In a post on X, the Indian minister shared, “Honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the India-Sri Lanka relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties for the benefit of people of two countries and the region.”

Honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi.

Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the 🇮🇳 🇱🇰 relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri… pic.twitter.com/bDIpaiT4te

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 4, 2024

During his day-long visit, Jaishankar also met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. The two officials reviewed key areas of mutual interest and discussed India’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Jaishankar assured India’s commitment to Sri Lanka, guided by the “Neighbourhood First” policy and India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

On X, Jaishankar shared, “Concluded comprehensive talks with FM Vijitha Herath. Reviewed the India-Sri Lanka partnership and assured continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic rebuilding.”

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared images of the meeting, acknowledging the discussions on matters of mutual interest. Vijitha Herath, who took office on September 24, also holds the portfolios of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security and Mass Media.