Colombo, August 5, 2026 — Foreign Secretary of India Shri Vikram Misri paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on August 5, 2026. This was his first stand-alone visit to the island nation as Foreign Secretary.
During the visit, he called on President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. He also held discussions with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and leaders of the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.
The two sides undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. They expressed satisfaction at the progress of projects under the USD 450 million reconstruction package announced after cyclone Ditwah. Agreements on two INR-denominated Lines of Credit — USD 250 million for railway projects and USD 100 million for livestock and other priority needs — were exchanged in the presence of the Sri Lankan President.
Reconstruction of damaged houses and construction of permanent bridges under a USD 100 million grant will begin shortly. Progress was also noted on the supply of medical equipment for Deniyaya Hospital, medical kiosks, equipment for educational institutions, and the rehabilitation of the Northern Railway corridor, where train services have resumed. Both sides are working towards implementing an island-wide disaster warning system.
Discussions also covered energy projects, including electricity grid interconnection, the Sampur solar power project, and the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub. The two sides agreed to expedite the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project and initiate discussions on the modernisation of Kankesanthurai harbour under a USD 61.5 million grant. They also agreed to conclude an MoU for the expansion of the Suwa Seriya ambulance service at an early date.
The Foreign Secretary urged Sri Lanka to expedite projects for the Indian Origin Tamil community, including the construction of 10,000 houses announced in 2017. Both sides welcomed progress on updating the Free Trade Agreement and the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement, which is expected to be signed soon.
On the fishermen issue, the Foreign Secretary sought Sri Lanka’s cooperation for the early release of detained Indian fishermen and boats, while stressing a humanitarian approach. He also called upon the Sri Lankan leadership to hold Provincial Council elections at the earliest and fully implement constitutional provisions to meet the aspirations of the Tamil people.
The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to the vision outlined in the Joint Statement of December 2024 and the agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in April 2025.
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