Minister S Jaishankar’s Important Visit to Sri Lanka

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently visited Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance India places on its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. This visit was his first bilateral trip after being re-appointed as External Affairs Minister.

Key Meetings and Events

During his visit, Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. They held delegation-level talks with several Sri Lankan ministers present. Jaishankar also met with the leader of the opposition, former President Mahindra Rajapaksha, and other political leaders.

Housing Projects and Maritime Rescue Centre

Jaishankar and President Wickremesinghe handed over 48 houses under the Model Village housing project in Colombo and Trincomalee districts. Additionally, 106 houses were handed over in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts as part of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project. A new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, established with a $6 million grant from India, was also commissioned during a virtual ceremony.

Significance of the Visit

This visit marks Jaishankar’s fifth trip to Sri Lanka in recent years, highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries. His visit follows the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new government.