President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India on December 16, where he will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the new government’s policies and plans for strengthening bilateral relations. The visit will focus on attracting investments, resuming stalled projects, and continuing discussions on debt restructuring.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has indicated that the primary focus of the visit will be on increasing Indian investments, particularly in the power sector. During the trip, the two countries are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation. Minister Herath has been in discussions with Indian officials about the specific MoUs that will be finalized during the visit.
Following the trip to India, President Dissanayake is scheduled for an official visit to China early next year. This visit will be pivotal in strengthening Sri Lanka-China relations and securing additional support for ongoing development projects. Among the key topics for discussion will be the resumption of Chinese-funded expressway projects that were previously suspended, as well as broader cooperation in education, technology, and digitalization.
Minister Herath emphasized that the Chinese government has already provided substantial support to Sri Lanka, including funding for various projects and assistance with the country’s debt restructuring. China has also pledged additional aid, including a digitalization project and a grant for providing school uniforms to children in the upcoming year. The visit is expected to help secure further economic support from China and bolster Sri Lanka’s international partnerships.
Overall, these diplomatic engagements are part of the new government’s broader strategy to attract foreign investments, revive key infrastructure projects, and secure critical international financial support.
