In a grand diplomatic gesture, Sri Lanka hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Independence Square—marking an unprecedented ceremonial welcome for a visiting head of state.
April 5, 2025: PM Modi Gets Historic Welcome in Sri Lanka—First-Ever at Independence Square for Any Foreign Leader
In a first-of-its-kind gesture, Sri Lanka rolled out a red carpet welcome for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the iconic Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday. This marks the first time any foreign leader has been accorded a ceremonial reception at the landmark venue.
PM Modi, who arrived in Colombo after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, was received personally by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The grand welcome, marked by traditional guards of honour and national anthems, underscores the deepening ties between the two South Asian neighbours.
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India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the moment as historic and symbolic of a growing strategic partnership. “Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity lie ahead,” he posted on social media.
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Glimpses from the ceremonial welcome in Colombo this morning.@anuradisanayake pic.twitter.com/88k2T1NN20
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025
Sources confirmed that this is the first time Sri Lanka has used its historic Independence Square—typically reserved for national commemorations—for welcoming a visiting head of state.
PM Modi later held delegation-level talks with President Dissanayake, with around ten key outcomes expected. Among them are a major defence cooperation agreement, a landmark energy partnership, and agreements in the digital and financial sectors.
If finalized, the defence MoU will mark a significant chapter in India-Sri Lanka ties, especially after decades of sensitive military history involving the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the 1980s.
India has played a critical role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, providing financial assistance of over $4.5 billion when the island nation was in the grip of an economic meltdown in 2022.
High Commissioner Santosh Jha called India’s aid “unprecedented,” adding that it remains the largest assistance New Delhi has extended to any country.
As part of the visit, PM Modi and President Dissanayake will also inaugurate and dedicate several India-assisted infrastructure projects across Sri Lanka. They will also virtually break ground for the Sampur solar energy project—a symbol of joint progress in the renewable sector.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to lay a wreath at the IPKF Memorial, paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka.
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