President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issuing a joint press statement on Saturday [05] reaffirmed that Sri Lankan territory will not be used for any purpose that could undermine India’s security or regional stability.

The full text of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s statement:

“His Excellency Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,
Her Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya,
Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends from the Media,

Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, and Good Morning!

I warmly welcome His Excellency the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the distinguished delegation, as the first Head of State to visit Sri Lanka since the formation of our government. I consider it as a historic occasion to recognize the achievements of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who assumed office with a strong public mandate to transform the political culture and overcome long-standing prejudices that had hindered his country’s progress toward becoming a modern, developed nation.

This visit reflects the deep-rooted closeness and friendship that have existed between Sri Lanka and India for ages. It is worth noting that the bond between our two countries separated by a narrow stretch of ocean less than 50 kilometers wide, is even closer than this physical proximity suggests.

India, a land of rich diversity, has made significant contributions to the world’s cultural and spiritual heritage throughout history, and it continues to play a prominent role on the global stage today. We have witnessed India’s remarkable rise and success. We sincerely applaud the way India has positioned itself not only as a regional power but also as a global leader. It is important to emphasize that our admiration is genuine and heartfelt. Like India, Sri Lanka firmly believes in the potential of South Asia to rise and shine on the world stage, a goal that we must strive to achieve together.

Sri Lanka and India share far more than geographical proximity. We are neighbours bound by deep historical, religious, and cultural ties that span over two thousand five hundred years. Our enduring relationship that has withstood the test of time is founded on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations. As civilizational partners, Sri Lanka and India have grown close across every sphere, including history, language, religion, ethics, art, culture, architecture, and beyond, reflecting the richness and dynamism of our two nations.

One of the closest and most enduring examples of friendship that we fondly recall is India’s gesture during the 1996 Cricket World Cup, when India joined Sri Lanka in an exhibition match after two teams declined to tour our country due to security concerns. We take this opportunity to once again express our heartfelt gratitude for that act of solidarity.

Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is firmly guided by national interests, with a focus on promoting peace and respecting the sovereignty of all nations, principles that form the foundation of our diplomatic roadmap. Just prior to this event, Prime Minister Modi and our delegation held bilateral discussions.

We conducted a broad review of the current state of our bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen our relations in areas of mutual interest.

Recalling my successful visit to New Delhi, I conveyed to Prime Minister Modi Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to implementing the actions outlined in the India-Sri Lanka Joint Declaration titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” which was adopted during that visit.

I expressed my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for their steadfast support in the recovery, growth, and stability of our country’s economy.

Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and transformative initiatives, which have elevated India to the global stage, along with his personal friendship with Sri Lanka, have brought immense benefits to us in the areas of economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social empowerment.

I am deeply grateful to Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering commitment and support to our country’s economic recovery process and sustainable development, in alignment with India’s foreign policy framework of “Neighborhood First.”

I briefed Prime Minister Modi on the success of our debt restructuring programme and provided an update on our current economic situation, which is progressing towards stability. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Government of India throughout the debt restructuring process

We had detailed discussions on the further development of the already exsisting defence cooperation between our two countries. I reaffirmed our commitment that Sri Lankan territory will not be used for any purpose that could undermine India’s security or regional stability.

I requested Prime Minister Modi’s intervention to urgently initiate bilateral technical discussions regarding Sri Lanka’s claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, with the aim of establishing the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond the mutual exclusive economic zone.

Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of developing a digital economy to drive growth, innovation, and efficiency. We discussed the potential for digitalization cooperation across several key areas. I am deeply grateful to the Government of India for their financial contribution of INR 300 million towards the implementation of the Sri Lanka Digital Identity (SLUDI) project.

We also acknowledged that the partnership between our two countries plays a crucial role in strengthening both our economic and people-to-people ties. I extended my thanks to Prime Minister Modi for converting the US$ 14.9 million line of credit provided for the construction of the Maho-Omanthai railway line into a grant for the installation of the signalling system on the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line.

Prime Minister Modi and I are pleased to announce that we will inaugurate these two projects in Anuradhapura on Sunday [06]. We discussed in detail our government’s priority to ensure reliable, affordable, and timely access to energy resources to meet the needs of the people. We also explored further cooperation in this area to achieve energy security and meet the growing demands of our population.

Additionally, we exchanged views on development cooperation, particularly in agriculture. Prime Minister Modi and I also addressed trade and investment cooperation between our two countries. We sought the support of the Government of India and Prime Minister Modi to encourage increased Indian investments in Sri Lanka, particularly in key areas of mutual interest.

Our discussions also covered cooperation in the tourism sector. India has consistently been the largest source of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, and we agreed to enhance cooperation to fully realize the potential of this sector.

Lastly, we requested Prime Minister Modi’s intervention to expedite the conclusion of the social security agreement between our two countries, which will benefit our expatriate workers.
We discussed the need for a cooperative approach to providing a sustainable solution to the fisheries issue. Recognizing the serious environmental damage caused by bottom trawling, a prohibited practice in both our countries, we called for decisive measures to halt this activity and to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Today, we are pleased to participate in the exchange of several important bilateral agreements between Sri Lanka and India, covering areas such as energy, security cooperation, health sector collaboration, infrastructure projects, and debt restructuring.

This marks another significant step forward in our relationship. I am particularly pleased to join the virtual ceremony with Prime Minister Modi to lay the foundation stone for the Sampur Solar Power Plant, which will contribute 120 MW to our national grid. Additionally, we are launching the project to provide solar power systems to 5,000 religious sites across Sri Lanka, and inaugurating the Dambulla Temperature and Humidity Controlled Agro Cold Storage complex, the only temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Sri Lanka. We are deeply grateful to the Government of India for its generous cooperation and support in realizing these people-centric projects.

I am also pleased to announce that Prime Minister Modi and his delegation will visit Anuradhapura tomorrow, which stands as a symbol of the great civilization that emerged in our country following the arrival of Buddhism, the greatest gift we have received from India. Prime Minister Modi will also pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

During the recent economic crisis, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would continue to support Sri Lanka in strengthening its democracy, stability, and economic recovery. It must be emphasized that India’s support, as a partner and friend, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s resilience. The people of both our nations must be given the opportunity to embrace a common path forward, through partnership in development, innovation, security, stability, peace in the Indian Ocean region, and the prosperity of our people.

India and Sri Lanka are not merely two countries on a map. It is essential to recognize that they are two nations deeply connected by history, strongly united by trade, and bound by friendship. I would also like to commend Prime Minister Modi’s concept of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all), which is a timely and pragmatic vision.

I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the highest Sri Lankan honor, the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana,’ as a symbol of the enduring friendship and unwavering, multifaceted support that he has consistently extended to Sri Lanka and its people. This prestigious honor is reserved for foreign heads of state in recognition of their friendship and cooperation with the people of Sri Lanka. We firmly believe that Prime Minister Modi, who has always stood by Sri Lanka, is most deserving of this distinction.

In Sri Lanka, we too are on a transformative path, which we call the “A Thriving Nation and a Beautiful Life” National Policy. This policy is designed to pave the way for economic progress, social justice, and to provide every citizen with the opportunity to prosper, regardless of their background.

As neighbors, partners, and long-standing friends, let us resolve, at this moment, to build a future filled with shared development. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his delegation for visiting Sri Lanka at this crucial time, when a people-centered political transformation is underway.”

[PMD]

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi issuing a joint press statement on Saturday [05] said that the bilateral  ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ between India and Sri Lanka, will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka and that In the last 6 months alone, the Indian government  has  converted loans worth more than USD 100 million into grants.

The English Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister during the Joint Press Statement with the President of Sri Lanka (April 05, 2025) issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs follows:

“Your Excellency President Disanayaka ji,

Delegates from both countries,

Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

Ayubowan!

Vanakkam!

It is a matter of great pride for me to be awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ by President Disanayaka today. This award does not only honour me, but also honours 140 crore Indians. It is a tribute to the historic ties and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Sri Lankan Government and to the people of Sri Lanka, for this honour.

Friends,

As Prime Minister, this is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka. My last visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time. It was my firm belief at the time that Sri Lanka will rise, and rise stronger.

I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people, and today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty.

I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. He said:

Seyar Kariya Yaavul
Natt Pinn
Aadu Pul
Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu

Which means, in the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship.

Friends,

President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations.

Sri Lanka has a special place in both our Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’. In the last four months, since President Disanayaka’s visit to India, we have made significant progress in our cooperation.

The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline, and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.

I am pleased that today a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System will be inaugurated for religious places in Sri Lanka. India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project.

Friends,

India has adopted the vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. We also value the priorities of our partner countries.

In the last 6 months alone, we have converted loans worth more than USD 100 million into grants. Our bilateral ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka. Today we have also decided to reduce interest rates. It symbolises that even today, India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.

For the social and economic development of the Eastern Provinces, a support package of approximately 2.4 billion Lankan Rupees will be provided. Today we also inaugurated Sri Lanka’s largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.

Tomorrow we will inaugurate the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line, and lay the foundation stone for the signalling system on the ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ section. Work for the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port will begin soon.

For the Indian Origin Tamil Community in Sri Lanka, the construction work of 10,000 houses will be completed soon. Training will be provided to an additional 700 Sri Lankan personnel. They will include Members of Parliament, personnel associated with the judiciary, entrepreneurs, media persons, as well as young leaders.

Friends,

We believe that we have shared security interests. The security of both countries is interconnected and co-dependent.

I am grateful to President Disanayaka for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Friends,

There is centuries old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.

I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of my home state – Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition.

India will assist in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex, and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya.

Friends,

We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.

We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka appraised me of his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people ​​and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections.

Friends,

Relations between India and Sri Lanka are based on mutual trust and goodwill. We will continue to work together to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our people.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Disanayaka for his warm welcome. I am confident that in the times to come we will take our partnership to new heights.

Thank you very much!
Nandri!
Bohoma Sthuthi! “

A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the Committee appointed to submit recommendations on the new U.S. tariff system.

During the meeting, the Committee’s proposals concerning the country’s strategic response to the imposition of these new tariffs, as well as the next steps that should be taken were reviewed in detail.

Furthermore, the Sri Lankan government is expected to initiate prompt discussions with the U.S. government regarding possible relief measures.

The Committee comprises, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana; Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Trade A. Vimalaneththiraja; Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe; Senior Director General (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Chief Economic Policy Advisor at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Shiran Fernando; Group CEO of Brandix Ashroff Omar; Co-Founder of MAS Holdings Sharad Amalean; Chairman of the Heyleys Group Mohan Pandithage and Ananda Caldera.

Also in attendance were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma.

[PMD]