Modi and Dissanayake flag off railway inauguration, boosting India-Sri Lanka cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will officially inaugurate two of Sri Lanka's key railway development projects, indicating India's interest in enhancing the country's infrastructure as well as the bilateral connection. The inauguration of the signaling system of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line and the Maho-Omanthai rail track are the highlights of this double inauguration. These two ventures are India's contribution to Sri Lanka's growth and improved connectivity in Sri Lanka. 

Bilateral relations enhanced

The visit is a major move in defining India-Sri Lanka relations with negotiations on several fronts, including:

• Economic Cooperation: Raised investments and trade, India being Sri Lanka's third largest market.
• South Indian-Sri Lanka multi-product oil pipeline and sun-power scheme project tie-up under Energy Partnership.

 Defence and Security: Regular bilateral naval exercises and periodic defence exercises, with a focus on maritime security and anti-terrorism.

In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.@anuradisanayake pic.twitter.com/Nz2wTizVuO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025

Cultural and people-to-people relations

The trip is also a direct reflection of cultural and historical solidarity between the two nations"

•  Buddhist Heritage: PM Modi and President Dissanayake also paid a visit to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple at Anuradhapura, reflecting their shared Buddhist heritage.
• Tourism and Connectivity: Developing Ramayana and Buddhist circuits for the growth of tourism by introducing ferry link connecting Talaimannar with Rameshwaram.

Solution to big problems 

Key topics being addressed were:

• Livelihood of the Fishermen: Using a humanitarian view towards resolving the issues and promoting sustainable alternatives.
• Tamil Minority Issues: Reconciliation, rebuilding, and adhering to Sri Lanka's Constitution.