President leaves for India on two-day official visit

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe departed on a two-day visit to India on Thursday (20) afternoon.

This will be Wickremesighe's first visit to the neighbouring powerhouse after he became President of the island nation of 22 million people.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will undertake an official visit to India on 20-21 July 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. 

The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, it added.

He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and finalise several investments supported by India, especially in energy, infrastructure and tourism, reported Indian media.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe will meet President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Prime Minister and other Indian dignitaries on a range of issues of mutual interest.

India provided $5 billion in economic aid to Sri Lanka during its crisis in 2022, paving the way for the IMF’s $3 billion programme in March 2023.

Sri Lanka is an important partner in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. The visit will reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two countries and explore avenues for enhanced connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, said the Indian External Affairs Ministry.