Indian advanced security team arrives ahead of Modi’s visit

• Sri Lanka prepares for Modi’s arrival with tight security 
• Special security and traffic plan in Colombo and Anuradhapura

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

An advanced security team from India has arrived in Colombo to coordinate with Sri Lankan security agencies ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this week, the Daily Mirror learns.   
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025. A senior police officer said that a special security and traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo and Anuradhapura during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit.  Modi is expected to land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Friday evening. The Indian Prime Minister will be accompanied by the Minister of External Affairs, National Security Advisor, Foreign Secretary, and other senior Indian officials.   
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo.   
In addition, Modi is scheduled to visit Anuradhapura to pay homage to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi and to inaugurate several projects in Sri Lanka that have been supported by the Indian government. 

Senior DIG of the Western Province Sanjeewa Dharmarathne will oversee the security arrangements during Modi’s arrival and departure in Colombo, coordinating with the Presidential Security Division and the Indian security team already in Colombo.   
Several roads will be closed periodically as Modi and his delegation travel between the airport and Colombo, as well as during other high-level movements in Colombo and Anuradhapura. “Strict security measures will be in place in both Colombo and Anuradhapura. A large contingent of Police and STF personnel will be deployed for security and traffic control,” the senior officer said.   The Police have been given clear instructions to ensure heightened attention to security matters during this visit. A security rehearsal will be held today (2) in preparation for the visit, ensuring all measures are in place for a safe and smooth event.