I would like to assure you that India will extend all possible support as a trusted partner and a reliable friend. As in the past, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in rebuilding lives and ensuring resilience in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the Special Letter addressed to President H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka India’s prompt assistance under the SAGAR-BANDHU initiative underscores the depth of our partnership and the enduring goodwill between our nations.
H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of Sri Lanka on ‘X’, 03 December 2025 Visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi tO Sri Lanka, 4 – 6 April 2025 Warm greetings on the occasion of 77th Republic Day of India. It
was on this day in 1950 that the Indian Constitution came into effect. It laid the foundation of what is now the world’s largest democracy and the world’s fastest growing major economy.
We enter the 77th year of our journey with the resolve to develop faster and reform deeper. India’s commitment to transform was demonstrated in 2025 through landmark reforms cutting across sectors; from taxation to labour; from port modernisation to privatisation of nuclear energy, and from FDI to FTAs. In this Year
of Reform, 2025 has seen India emerge as the fourth largest economy and poised to be the third largest before the end of this decade.
India’s rise is accompanied by enhanced sense of responsibility to
be a dependable partner globally. Viksit Bharat or developed India
will be a Vishwa Mitra or a friend for the world. This vision is
reflected in the MAHASAGAR policies of Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi. Neighbourhood First, too, remains our
guiding principle.
Friends,
Sri Lanka has a special place in this foreign policy vision of India. This is
manifested through the exceptional levels of trust, goodwill and
friendship between the people and leadership of our two countries.
The visit of Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and that of
President of Sri Lanka to India in December 2024 charted an ambitious
roadmap for the partnership. Physical, Digital and Energy connectivity
were agreed as key pillars of our partnership. Shared aspirations for
development and shared commitment to security emerged as key
goals.
Over the last year, we have worked strenuously to realise these shared
objectives. We have made significant progress on grid inter-connection,
which will open the potential for significant energy exports from
Sri Lanka to India. Talks are ongoing on the development of Trincomalee
as an energy hub. Construction of the Sampur Solar Power project has
already been launched. Sri Lanka’s digitisation journey is poised for a
take-off with progress in implementation of Sri Lanka Unique Digital
Identity project.
India’s commitment to remain Sri Lanka’s first responder was once
again reaffirmed during Cyclone Ditwah. India launched Operation
Sagar Bandhu on the same day the cyclone hit Sri Lanka. We rescued
stranded persons, distributed aid, provided emergency medical care
and helped restore connectivity. Our response was swift, instinctive and
comprehensive. It was unconditional and spontaneous in the spirit of
good neighbourliness and a sense of responsibility.
Later, to support Sri Lanka’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Initiative, we
announced an assistance package of over USD 450 million. Delivery on
the ground has already begun. From restoring bridges and railway lines
to relocation of houses and hospitals, I can assure you that priorities of
the people of Sri Lanka will define the priorities of our endeavour
post-Ditwah. This spirit is already manifested in the
implementation of our development partnership with a portfolio of over
USD 7.5 billion, including grants of over USD 850 million.
Our broader economic cooperation also continues to flourish.
India remained the largest source of tourists coming to Sri Lanka. Last
year, we emerged as the second largest destination for Sri Lanka’s
exports and remained Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner. As a leading
investor in Sri Lanka, Indian investments in 2025 exceeded 50% of total
investments into Sri Lanka.
Over the last year, we have also expanded our training and capacity
building efforts for Sri Lankan professionals across different sectors.
From MPs to craftsmen to auditors, judicial officers and bureaucrats,
linkages are being institutionalised across all of our socio-politico
milieu.
We are also working towards making our partnership future-ready. Our
bilateral agenda is making forays into newer domains of technology,
innovation and Artificial Intelligence. Our startups and Venture
Capitalists are cooperating to support building a modern innovation
ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
Friends,
India-Sri Lanka partnership is a civilisational one. Our linkages predate
our diplomatic ties. Our history is rich yet interwoven; Our future bright
and interlinked. Our geographical proximity also implies that our
security interests are intertwined. India remains committed to being
forever, Sri Lanka’s most trusted friend and the most dependable
partner.
I seek your support, cooperation and friendship in our shared journey
towards a future of prosperity and well-being.
My dear brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka,
Namaskar, Ayubowan, Vanakkam!
Dhyanavad. Bohoma Stuti. Nandri.
