Colombo, 20 June 2024 (TDI): During his one-day official visit to Sri Lanka, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Foreign Minister, engaged in bilateral talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry.
The discussions took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following his recent reappointment to the high office after the general elections in India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar embarked on his inaugural bilateral visit.
This visit to Sri Lanka marked his first official engagement in strengthening diplomatic ties since assuming office anew.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined the Foreign Minister for the bilateral talks.
After the discussions, the Indian External Affairs Minister signed the Guest Book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning, the visiting External Affairs Minister of India was greeted by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.
Before the bilateral discussions at the Foreign Ministry, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar made courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
After meeting with the President at the President’s House, Minister Jaishankar participated with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a virtual ceremony.
In the ceremony, he handed over 48 houses—24 each in Colombo and Trincomalee—constructed under the Model Village Housing Project.
Additionally, they facilitated the transfer of 106 houses in three up-country estates developed under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project, funded by India.
Moreover, the Indian External Affairs Minister participated in the virtual commissioning of the Sri Lanka Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).
This center, established with financial assistance from India, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing maritime safety and coordination efforts in Sri Lanka.
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Minister Jaishankar was accompanied by a delegation consisting of senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs of India, along with the High Commissioner of India in Colombo, during his visit.
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