The bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake are underway in New Delhi. Both leaders will hold discussions on the issues of mutual interest. The visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtarpati Bhavan this morning. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Mr Dissanayake. The Sri Lankan President paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
The Sri Lankan President who is on a three-day visit to India arrived in New Delhi on Sunday. He was received by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan. The Sri Lankan President is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar this evening. He will also visit Bodh Gaya, Bihar. This is the first bilateral visit of President Dissanayake to India since he assumed Presidency.
Ministry of External Affairs said the visit is expected to further strengthen the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Mr Dissanayake will also participate in a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka. The Merchandise trade between India and Sri Lanka has reached 5.5 billion dollars in 2023-24. Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and holds a central place in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of SAGAR and India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
