NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on his official three-day visit to India from December 15 to 17, was warmly welcomed with full state honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, on December 16.
The ceremonial reception began with a grand horseback parade, as President Dissanayake was escorted to the venue. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the visiting leader at the forecourt. The occasion was marked by a 21-gun salute, a symbol of respect and honor. Following the formalities, President Dissanayake inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Armed Forces.
The event saw the introduction of senior officials, diplomats, and ministers from both countries. The gathering also included a large number of state officials, underscoring the importance of this visit.
Later, President Dissanayake visited Rajghat, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, to pay his respects. As part of his official trip, he planted an Ashoka tree at the Gandhi Darshan premises, leaving a lasting mark on his first official visit abroad.
Discussions with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda are also planned, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors. Moreover, the President will engage with prominent Indian business leaders to explore potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
This visit follows an earlier meeting on Sunday at the Delhi airport, where President Dissanayake was received by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan. During his first day, the Sri Lankan President held discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Jaishankar reiterated Sri Lanka’s crucial role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the broader regional outlook of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The talks are expected to foster stronger cooperation between the two nations, particularly in economic growth, regional security, and mutual development initiatives.
Additionally, there are plans for discussions with prominent Indian business leaders to explore potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. These conversations aim to foster closer economic ties between the two nations, with a focus on identifying key sectors for collaboration and growth. By engaging top business minds, the initiative seeks to attract substantial investments that can drive Sri Lanka's economic development, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. The talks are expected to highlight the mutual benefits of increased trade and investment, strengthening bilateral relations and paving the way for long-term economic partnerships.