After accepting an invitation from Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will make his first official foreign visit to New Delhi. He will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr. Jaishankar was the first high-ranking foreign official to meet Dissanayake after his victory in the Sri Lankan presidential election on September 21.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo stated that Dr. Jaishankar’s visit reflects the strong commitment of both countries to further strengthen their long-term partnership. This is in line with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) outlook.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to discuss various Indian-funded projects in Sri Lanka and their future development. It is a tradition for newly elected Sri Lankan leaders to make their first official visit to India, and President Dissanayake will follow this practice.
Although the exact date has not been set, it is reported that President Dissanayake’s visit to New Delhi will happen after Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 14.
