Indian PM Modi arrives, India, Sri Lanka to ink six MoUs today

Six MOUs on defence cooperation, power grid connectivity, petroleum sector development, digitisation, cultural exchange and economic development will be signed

• Defence MoU to cover maritime security, capacity building, information sharing
• The two countries to undertake a feasibility study to connect two power grids
• Indian PM will virtually attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Sampur solar energy project

By Kelum Bandara 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Sri  Lanka yesterday evening will witness the signing of six memoranda of  understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as defence cooperation, power  grid connectivity, petroleum sector development and digitisation in  addition to his bilateral discussions with the government.   

The Indian Prime Minister is the first Head of State to  visit Sri Lanka after the National People’s Power (NPP) government was  formed last year. Earlier, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited  New Delhi, last year. It is customary for Sri Lankan leaders to consider  India as the first destination for official visits after assuming  office.   

The defence cooperation agreement which is to be inked  today will cover areas such as maritime security, training and defence-related purchases. The two sides were giving finishing touches to the  text of this agreement yesterday evening.  

As part of defence cooperation, India will pledge support  for capacity building in Sri Lanka as far as maritime security is  concerned. It will also deal with information sharing and  surveillance.   

In the energy sector, the two countries will commit to  undertake a feasibility study to connect the two power grids. The  business model will be worked out later based on the feasibility of the  project to be completed according to a timeline.

The text of the MoU related to the interconnection of power  grids had been completed by yesterday evening. However, there was a  delay in the finalisation of the text of MoU related to pipeline  connectivity, a project involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The  UAE has sent its proposals to be incorporated into the MoU.  

The establishment of a high-capacity power grid  interconnection between India and Sri Lanka is envisaged in the joint  statement issued in the aftermath of President Dissanayake’s visit to  New Delhi, last December.   

A cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and UAE to implement  a multi-product pipeline from India to Sri Lanka for the supply of  affordable and reliable energy is also outlined in it.   

In virtual mode, the Indian Prime Minister will attend the  groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Sampur solar energy project in  the Eastern Province. He will also visit Anuradhapura later for the  inauguration of a railway project implemented with financial assistance  from India. Also, he will participate in religious observances at Jaya  Sri Maha Bodhi, a sprig of Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, which now serves  as a symbol of civilisational and cultural connect between the two  countries. The Buddha attained Enlightenment under Bodhi Tree in Bodh  Gaya.   

President Dissanayake will host him for a state banquet this evening. He will depart the country tomorrow. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed at the airport

PM Modi to meet Opposition Leader, Tamil parties 

Apart from official engagements, Indian Prime Minister  Narendra Modi will hold talks with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa,  his office confirmed. In addition, he will also meet with the  representatives of the Tamil political parties including the Ceylon  Workers’ Congress (CWC).