What Happened: Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka on April 5, the Economic Times reported on March 22.
Why It Matters: The discussions will build on agreements reached in 2024, likely covering plans for India to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka's power plants, establish electricity grid connectivity, and construct a petroleum pipeline to strengthen energy cooperation. Additionally, they will likely finalize a defense cooperation pact, reinforcing strategic collaboration and regional security. The leaders may also explore launching a ferry service between Rameswaram, India, and Talaimannar, Sri Lanka, to enhance people-to-people ties and regional integration, and they could discuss the longstanding issue of Indian fishermen crossing into Sri Lankan waters for fishing, which has often led to arrests and tensions.
Background: According to Dissanayake, construction of the Sampur Power Plant in Trincomalee's eastern port district is set to begin alongside Modi's visit. On Dec. 16, 2024, Dissanayake visited Modi, marking the Sri Lankan president's first overseas trip since he took office in September. ...
