India-Sri Lanka to seal key bilateral deals including defence: Cabinet Spokesman

Thursday, 3 April 2025 05:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Defence pact sparks debate among Opposition MPs, with concerns it counters China’s influence
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri downplays concerns, stating pact is an update to existing deal
Indian PM Modi will launch Sampur Solar Power Project, hand over solar systems to religious sites, unveil Dambulla Cold Storage Project, commission a railway signal system and open new roads

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Disanayake

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday confirmed the upcoming bilateral deals during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit tomorrow, where both countries will ink key agreements in energy, healthcare, the digital economy and defence.

Addressing the media, following the weekly Cabinet meeting, Dr. Jayatissa assured that full details of these agreements will be communicated to the public.

Modi’s three-day visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the close ties between India and Sri Lanka across multiple sectors.

However, the defence cooperation agreement set to be signed during Modi’s visit has sparked heated debate with Opposition MPs demanding clarity on its details and benefits to Sri Lanka. Speculation is rife that the pact is aimed at countering China’s military influence in the region.

Against this backdrop, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently downplayed concerns, noting that the agreement is merely an update to an existing defence pact and expressed hope for its finalisation during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.

The Cabinet Spokesman said the visit of the Indian Premier will commence with a welcoming ceremony on 5 April at Independence Square, followed by high-level discussions with President Anura Kumara Disanayake on strengthening bilateral relations.

One of the key highlights of the visit is Modi’s participation in several strategic projects, reflecting India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s development.

“As part of the energy cooperation between the two countries, the Indian Prime Minister will initiate the Sampur Solar Power Project,” Dr. Jayatissa said, adding that Modi will also hand over solar power systems to selected religious sites.

He also noted that from Colombo, the Indian Prime Minister will unveil the Dambulla Cold Storage Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural storage and reducing post-harvest losses, particularly benefiting farmers and fresh produce suppliers.

According to Dr. Jayatissa, on 6 April, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Anuradhapura, where he is scheduled to worship at the Sri Maha Bodhi.

“His visit (Modi’s) will also include the commissioning of a modern railway signal system and the inauguration of newly developed roads,” the Cabinet Spokesman disclosed.

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