The visit aims to reassure Sri Lanka of India's continued support
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to Sri Lanka on October 4, 2024. This visit, the first high-level engagement between the two nations since the recent presidential election in Sri Lanka, underscores the critical importance of the India-Sri Lanka relationship. 

“In keeping with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR outlook, the visit underlines the shared commitment of the two countries to further deepen the longstanding partnership for mutual benefit,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (October 3, 2024).

The MEA announcement came a day after India’s High Commissioner in Colombo Santosh Jha met President Dissanayake and congratulated him on the formation of the new government. According to the Indian High Commission, he “shared progress in the upward trajectory of the India-Sri Lanka partnership and discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendship”.

The Sri Lankan President took to social media platform X to share information about the meeting, saying Jha expressed India’s readiness to support the country’s development process in any way possible. 

“He emphasized that India wishes to see Sri Lanka emerge as a peaceful and stable state in the region. Mr. Jha also reflected on the long-standing friendship and closeness between our two nations, highlighting the importance of maintaining a continuous and stable partnership as neighbouring states,” President Dissanayake said in his post.

During their meeting, the Indian High Commissioner also expressed appreciation for the anti-corruption programme outlined in the new government’s policy statement and offered help in digitization initiatives to help combat corruption.

EAM Jaishankar met Dissanayake in New Delhi earlier this year for a discussion on the bilateral relationship, Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and the path ahead. He reiterated that India will always be a reliable friend and trusted partner of Sri Lanka.

“Pleased to meet @anuradisanayake, Leader of NPP and JVP of Sri Lanka this morning. 

A good discussion on our bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits from its further deepening. Also spoke about Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and the path ahead. 

India, with its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies will always be a reliable friend and trusted partner of Sri Lanka,” EAM Jaishankar said on X after their meeting on February 5, 2014.

Dissanayake’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party was part of the National People’s Power (NPP) which came to power in the recent elections. The new administration's policies have yet to take full shape and EAM Jaishankar's visit is expected to set the tone for future cooperation. 

EAM Jaishankar’s visit is expected to reassure Sri Lanka of India's continued support, especially in its efforts to recover from recent economic challenges. India has been a key development partner for Sri Lanka, providing financial assistance and investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.