by Our Special Correspondent in New Delhi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka in the first quarter of 2025, according to a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs, who wished to remain anonymous. This visit was originally scheduled for late 2024 but was postponed due to Sri Lanka’s political climate, which included Presidential and Parliamentary elections in September and November 2024, respectively.
The upcoming visit aims to address several critical issues, including the political situation in Sri Lanka, the conduct of Provincial Council elections, and the status of Indian investments. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to review ongoing development projects in the upcountry regions, home to many Tamils of Indian origin, as well as in the Northern and Eastern provinces. During his visit, he will engage in discussions with prominent Sri Lankan political leaders.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is preparing for his inaugural state visit to India after assuming office as the nation’s ninth Executive President. According to unconfirmed sources in Colombo, President Dissanayake may use this opportunity to formally invite Prime Minister Modi to serve as the Chief Guest at Sri Lanka’s forthcoming Independence Day celebrations.
It is reported that a three-member team, including a close associate of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who served as the Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, is currently collaborating with President Dissanayake to facilitate his forthcoming visit to Delhi.
Furthermore, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Kshenuka Seneviratne, who was appointed by former President Wickremesinghe, has been asked to remain in her position despite the new government’s decision to recall numerous politically appointed diplomats. Seneviratne, a retired Foreign Service officer, is among dozens of Sri Lankan diplomats stationed abroad who were instructed to return to Colombo by 1 December.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo has yet to confirm how many recalled diplomats have complied. This recall is part of the new administration’s broader efforts to restructure its foreign missions and replace politically appointed personnel with career diplomats.
