'Won't Allow Territory To be Used…': Sri Lanka's Big Promise To India Amid PM Modi's Visit

Last Updated:April 05, 2025, 14:26 IST

The statement was made during a meeting where both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in areas like defense, energy, and trade.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (ANI)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country wouldn’t allow its territory to be used in ways that threaten India’s security interests. This assurance aims to alleviate concerns about China’s increasing influence in the region.

The statement was made during a meeting where both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in areas like defense, energy, and trade.

“I reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability," he said.

Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka to develop its economy have raised concerns ranging from sovereignty and security issues.

India and Sri Lanka signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement on Saturday for the first time, following talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake. In addition to the defense pact, the two countries also agreed to develop Trincomalee into an energy hub and signed another agreement to facilitate India’s multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region.

Both leaders also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project, marking a significant step in their growing energy partnership.

Several other agreements were finalised during the talks between the two leaders, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.

PM Modi landed in Sri Lanka’s Colombo on Friday evening to a warm reception and was greeted at Bandaranaike Airport by five top Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.

On Saturday morning, he also received a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square, where he was received by Sri Lankan President Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka accorded this honour to a visiting dignitary, reportedly for the first time, making the gesture both historic and symbolic of the deepening ties between the two neighbours.

PM Modi, who was conferred the ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ award by Sri Lanka President Dissanayake, said India stood with Sri Lanka in every difficult situation, citing the 2019 terror attack, the Covid pandemic and the recent economic crisis.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

News world 'Won't Allow Territory To be Used…': Sri Lanka's Big Promise To India Amid PM Modi's Visit