India, Sri Lanka ink MoU on Defence cooperation

Colombo/New Delhi, Apr 5:  India and Sri Lanka inked their first ever MoU on defence cooperation today following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka in Colombo today.

The two sides have also inked a tripartite agreement, along with the UAE, for development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.

Assuaging concerns in Sri Lanka regarding the Defence MoU, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha said that any cooperation activities undertaken under the MoU “will be in accordance with international best practices and will not conflict with the domestic laws and national policies of either Sri Lanka or India”.

He said that Sri Lanka and India have had cordial defence relations for decades, engaging in defence dialogues, joint military and naval exercises, training, workshops, etc, the Daily Mirror said.

Annually, India provides training for approximately 750 military personnel from Sri Lanka. The India-Sri Lanka defence partnership has been, and continues to be, an invaluable asset for Sri Lanka, he said.

During the Defence Dialogue held in 2023, both sides agreed to further strengthen defence relations through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation with a view to continuing the defence partnership and engagements more efficiently and in a structured manner, he added on Friday.

The MoU was “meticulously scrutinized, reviewed, and relevant negotiations were conducted in terms of circular instructions issued by the Secretary to the President in January this year concerning interactions with foreign governments”. The approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was duly obtained prior to signature, he added.

“When carrying out cooperation activities under this MoU, the Parties commit themselves to respect the national and military laws and regulations of the Parties and the relevant principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, which include the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and inviolability, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of the Parties.

Through the solid base for defence relations provided by the signing of this MoU, the exchange of tri-service officers, training, staff talks between the forces, exchange of information, cooperation in the defence industry, and in the field of defence technology and research with measures to ensure relevant intellectual property rights, will be carried out in a professional manner.

The MoU will be in force for five years, with the rights reserved for the parties to terminate the agreement with three months’ advance notice, and continuation for three years thereafter, subject to a review of progress and termination, if so inclined, with similar prior notice,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi and Sri Lankan President Dissanayake also unveiled the plaques virtually for the ground breaking of the Sampur solar energy project, being undertaken by India, and the inauguration of the temperature controlled warehouse in Dambulla and rooftop solar panels at 5,000 religious institutions across the country

Sri Lanka confers ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ award on PM Modi

Colombo, Apr 5: Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest award to a foreign head of state, Mitra Vibhushana. Dissanayake said that PM Modi highly deserves this honour.

In a joint press statement alongside PM Modi, Dissanayake said, “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lankan honour to a foreign head of state/head of government- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. This prestigious honour, which was introduced in 2008, is conferred upon heads of states and government for their friendship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”

The “Dharma Chakra” demonstrates the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The “Pun Kalasa” (a ceremonial pot) adorned with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal.

The “Navarathna” (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals.

The “Sun and Moon” signify the timeless bond, stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future. Together, these elements beautifully capture the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the two nations.

Sri Lankan President made the announcement after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks in Colombo on Saturday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials attended the meeting.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo. It is the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner.

PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.

Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo after concluding his visit to Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with several world leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

In Sri Lanka, PM Modi was warmly received at the airport by six senior ministers, despite rains: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour Minister Anil Jayantha, Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena.

“Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi posted on X.

After arriving at his hotel, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessed a traditional puppet performance. (Agencies)