Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s “exceptional support” during Cyclone Ditwah and for the invitation to the landmark AI Impact Summit. The leaders met on the sidelines of the summit, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the historic partnership between the two neighbours.
In his remarks, the Sri Lankan President thanked India for its swift assistance in the aftermath of the cyclone, which caused widespread damage across the island nation. He emphasized that India’s timely intervention reflected the depth of bilateral ties and the spirit of regional solidarity.
Prime Minister Modi described Sri Lanka as a valued neighbour and highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations. The leaders reviewed cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including energy, connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, skill development, culture, and the blue economy. Both sides agreed to further expand collaboration in areas that promote sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
India’s assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu included a comprehensive reconstruction and rehabilitation package worth USD 450 million. The support covered restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity; housing reconstruction for families whose homes were destroyed or damaged; revitalisation of health and education facilities; agricultural support to address potential shortages; and strengthening disaster preparedness mechanisms.
Beyond disaster relief, discussions also focused on leveraging technology and innovation. At the AI Impact Summit, President Dissanayake underscored the importance of steering artificial intelligence toward inclusive development while safeguarding cultural values and human capabilities. He stressed that technology should uplift societies rather than undermine them.
The Sri Lankan leader also engaged with several other global counterparts during the summit, reflecting Colombo’s interest in enhancing multilateral cooperation and positioning itself within broader global technology and economic conversations.
The meeting between the two leaders reaffirmed the enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka, built on shared history, cultural bonds, and geographic proximity. With renewed emphasis on infrastructure, connectivity, and resilience, both countries signaled their intent to deepen cooperation in ways that deliver tangible benefits to their people.
