March 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed on Friday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the island nation on April 5.
The announcement was made during Dissanayake’s speech in the Sri Lankan Parliament.
During his address, President Dissanayake emphasised that Modi’s visit would serve to formalise several agreements that were initially discussed during his trip to New Delhi in 2024.
A key aspect of the visit will be the commencement of the long-awaited construction of the Sampur power plant in the northern port city of Trincomalee.
This development marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy efforts and its ongoing collaboration with India.
Health Minister Nalinda Jayathissa added that Sri Lanka and India had recently finalised an agreement to set up solar power plants across the island. The agreement will see the creation of a 50-megawatt solar facility in the first phase, followed by a 70-megawatt expansion in the second phase, both at Sampur.
The project will be a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), with both governments involved in the construction, ownership, and operation of the plants.
This project marks a notable shift from earlier plans when NTPC had proposed building a coal-fired power plant at the same site. However, the change in direction reflects a growing focus on sustainable energy sources and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
The solar plants will play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy strategy and its broader goals for energy security.
The upcoming visit follows President Dissanayake’s diplomatic trip to New Delhi in December 2024, just months after he assumed office. During his visit, he was welcomed by Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the context of increasing concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.
At the time, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure. Modi confirmed plans to enhance connectivity between the two nations, including the establishment of an electricity grid link and a multi-product petroleum pipeline.
These initiatives are expected to boost trade, investment, and overall commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka.
In addition to his talks with Prime Minister Modi, Dissanayake also met with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
At a joint press conference, the Sri Lankan leader assured that his country would not allow its territory to be used in a manner that could threaten India’s national security interests.
