This is the first time Sri Lanka has reportedly extended such an honour to a visiting dignitary, making it a historic gesture.
PM Modi Receives Special Ceremonial Guard of Honour in Colombo, Latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square on Saturday morning as he began his three-day state visit to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted him at the venue, marking the beginning of the high-level diplomatic engagement, ANI reported.
This is the first time Sri Lanka has reportedly extended such an honour to a visiting dignitary, making it a historic gesture that reflects the strengthening bond between the two neighbouring nations.
"A special welcome at Sri Lanka's majestic Independence Square – Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by President Anura Dissanayake with a ceremonial reception. Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future and mutual prosperity of our people lie ahead," the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X.
A glimpse of the ceremonial welcome, PM Modi shared on his X handle.
A glimpse of PM Modi receiving special welcome on saturday. (PMO)
According to a report by PTI, India and Sri Lanka are expected to announce 10 significant agreements during the visit, covering areas such as defence, energy security, and digitalization.
PM Modi's visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from one of the worst economic crises in its history.
Between 2020 and 2022, Sri Lanka faced a severe economic meltdown, caused by foreign debt, foreign exchange shortages, and the collapse of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, massive public protests forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign and flee the country.
In 2023, Sri Lanka secured a $3 billion IMF bailout, initiating tough austerity measures to stabilize its economy. Though the situation has begun to improve, economic hardship and public frustration persist.
In 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected President, marking a shift from the Rajapaksa era and raising hopes for political and economic reforms.
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