Sri Lanka’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, officially assumed her duties today by presenting her credentials to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Colonne conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka. She recalled President Dissanayake’s state visit to India in December 2024, which culminated in a comprehensive Joint Statement covering key areas of bilateral cooperation. Colonne also highlighted the momentum generated by the reciprocal visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka in April 2025, noting that these high-level engagements had elevated the India–Sri Lanka relationship to a level of “excellence.”
Expressing appreciation for India’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka, especially during times of crisis, the High Commissioner reaffirmed her commitment to further deepening the multifaceted ties between the two countries. She emphasized the strong economic partnership, noting that India remains Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, top source of tourism, and a key investor.
In a special cultural reference, Colonne highlighted the ancient civilisational ties between the peoples of Sri Lanka and India, with a focus on Odisha, the home state of President Murmu. She recalled historical accounts of connections between Kalinga (present-day Odisha) and Sri Lanka, including the arrival of Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, Sangamitra, with a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree, and the transport of the Buddha’s Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka by a royal couple from Kalinga.
President Murmu, in her remarks, warmly acknowledged the greetings from President Dissanayake and reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and institutional strengthening. She emphasized the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic bonds that underpin the bilateral relationship, describing Sri Lanka as a central partner in India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and “Vision MAHASAGAR” maritime strategy.
Noting High Commissioner Colonne’s previous diplomatic experience in India, President Murmu expressed confidence that she would play a vital role in further strengthening India–Sri Lanka ties.
The credential ceremony marks a new chapter in diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring nations, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to a shared future built on mutual respect and regional cooperation.
