Indian PM in Sri Lanka for Official Visit: Welcoming Ceremony to be Held at Independence Square

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A ceremonial welcome for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take place at 9 a.m. today at Independence Square, marking the beginning of his three-day official visit to Sri Lanka.

PM Modi arrived in Sri Lanka last night at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

According to the President's Media Division, this visit is being carried out under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” underscoring the deep-rooted ties between India and Sri Lanka.

This marks the fourth visit to Sri Lanka by the Indian Prime Minister.

His itinerary includes bilateral talks with President Dissanayake, paying homage to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, and inaugurating several development projects supported by the Indian government.

The Indian delegation includes External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, police have announced temporary road closures in Colombo and Anuradhapura during the visit. 

Roads near Galle Face, Independence Square, and Ape Gama premises in Battaramulla will be intermittently closed today, with further closures in Anuradhapura around the Sri Maha Bodhi and railway station tomorrow morning.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, while special traffic and security arrangements are in place to ensure safety and minimize public inconvenience.