THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Colombo, April 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday concluded high-level talks in Colombo by signing a series of agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
For the first time, India and Sri Lanka finalized a landmark defence cooperation pact, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership.
Among other key outcomes, the two leaders also oversaw the signing of an agreement to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, alongside another pact facilitating India’s multi-sectoral grant assistance for Sri Lanka’s eastern region.
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Modi and Dissanayake jointly inaugurated the Sampur solar power project through a virtual ceremony.
A total of seven Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two sides, covering areas such as defence, energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and trade.
One of the major initiatives includes a joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board to establish a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee to meet Sri Lanka’s growing energy demands.
Before the talks, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square — a rare honour reflecting the importance Colombo attaches to the visit.
