- Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited Delhi for an official three-day visit, as both countries discussed progress on several joint projects.
- She also met with China’s President Xi Jinping earlier last week, where they discussed expanding cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
- The visit has expectedly advanced bilateral ties and further strengthened the bond of friendship, which aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its Neighbourhood First policy.
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was on a three-day official visit to discuss the progress on several joint projects. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met Sri Lanka’s PM Harini Amarasuriya in Delhi. S. Jaishankar stated that India has continued support to Sri Lanka, and Amarasuriya highlighted the civilisational and cultural ties between the two countries and said India is an unwavering partner in Sri Lanka’s journey.
Her visit was more than a diplomatic trip; it was a return to her roots. She visited her college in New Delhi, where she once studied, met students and faculty, and expressed optimism about their future. This is her first visit to India since assuming office.
China’s Influence in Sri Lanka
Amarasuriya had met China’s President Xi Jinping earlier last week, where they discussed expanding cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to work with Sri Lanka on port development, the digital economy and green technology.
China has financed major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. India views aspects of China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean with strategic concern, which is often described in terms of the “String of Pearls”. It has sought to strengthen regional partnerships, including through engagement with like-minded partners such as the Quad.
Her visit will support the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. Being the Sri Lankan Education Minister in addition to her role as Prime Minister, she visited IIT Delhi as well as Niti Aayog. She explored avenues of collaboration in education and technology. She also participated in a business event to enhance commercial linkages between the two countries. She praised India’s progress in digital governance and said Sri Lanka hopes to adopt similar initiatives.
Although the visit was primarily about the development and improvement of bilateral relations, issues related to fishermen remain a significant point of tension between the two countries. Leaders in Tamil Nadu have asked New Delhi to raise these concerns with Sri Lanka.
The visit has expectedly advanced bilateral ties and further strengthened the bond of friendship, which aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its Neighbourhood First policy. Both countries can strengthen their relations by effectively using institutions such as BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association to coordinate on maritime security, climate change, and economic integration for a stable and prosperous neighbourhood.
Anshu Mishra holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Kolkata University and is currently preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her interests include geopolitics, climate change, and national security. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Raghvendra Tripathi 
Hridbina Chatterjee 
Tejashree P V