Jaishankar Meets Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya, Reaffirms India’s Support to Colombo

October 16, 2025

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in the national capital on Thursday and reaffirmed India’s continued support to Sri Lanka, while emphasising cooperation in education and capacity building.

“Pleased to meet PM Harini Amarasuriya of Sri Lanka this morning in Delhi. Discussed India’s continued support to Sri Lanka and strengthening our cooperation in education & capacity building,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Focus on Education, Capacity Building and Technology

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed new avenues for collaboration in education, innovation, and technology, as well as capacity-building initiatives aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery and development goals.

Amarasuriya, who also serves as Sri Lanka’s Education Minister, will visit IIT Delhi and NITI Aayog to explore potential partnerships and joint research programmes.

First Official Visit as Prime Minister

This marks Amarasuriya’s first official visit to India since assuming office. She will be in the country till October 18 and is scheduled to meet senior Indian political leaders and policymakers to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation.

The Sri Lankan leader will also deliver the keynote address at the NDTV World Summit, jointly organised by NDTV and the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi.

Visit to Alma Mater: Hindu College, Delhi University

A distinguished alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, Amarasuriya will visit her alma mater during her stay.

According to the college’s schedule, the visit will begin at noon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by NCC cadets, followed by a symbolic tree plantation and cultural performances by students at the Sanganeria Auditorium.

Strengthening Economic and Regional Ties

In addition to educational engagements, Amarasuriya will attend a business networking event aimed at enhancing trade and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit “continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges” and will “advance the deep and multi-faceted bilateral partnership between the two nations,” aligned with India’s ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’ and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.