Sri Lanka released 11 Indian fishermen on Sunday. The move came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a “humane approach” to resolving the ongoing fishermen issue during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The fishermen issue featured prominently in their discussions. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need to protect fishermen’s livelihoods and called for the prompt release of detained individuals and their boats.
Humanitarian focus on fishermen’s livelihoods
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed that both countries discussed the matter in detail. He said the two leaders agreed on the need for a constructive and compassionate approach, as the issue directly affects daily life for fishing communities on both sides of the Palk Bay.
Modi also encouraged Sri Lanka to reconsider recent measures taken against Indian fishermen. Officials from both sides plan to resume talks between their fishermen’s associations soon.
Productive visit strengthens bilateral ties
Prime Minister Modi concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday. During his stay, he met with President Dissanayake and oversaw the signing of several agreements. These covered areas such as defence, energy, and digital infrastructure.
India and Sri Lanka signed a new defence pact to deepen military cooperation. This marks a shift from past tensions, including the withdrawal of Indian peacekeeping forces from Sri Lanka in the late 1980s. Modi stressed that both nations share security concerns and must work together to ensure stability.
President Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in ways that threaten regional security.
Key agreements and regional development
The two countries finalised seven bilateral agreements. One aims to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, with support from the United Arab Emirates. Another will improve power grid connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
Other deals include digital collaboration and financial support for Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. India also agreed to a debt restructuring plan to provide immediate relief for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Modi and Dissanayake jointly inaugurated the Sampur solar power plant and several other India-supported projects via video link.
Support for Tamil fishermen and regional communities
During talks, Modi raised the issue of Tamil rights. He encouraged Sri Lanka to meet the expectations of the Tamil community and to hold provincial council elections. He also met Tamil leaders from the Northern and Eastern provinces. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to equality, dignity, and justice for all communities within a united Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka awarded Modi its highest civilian honour, the Mithra Vibhushana, recognising his role in strengthening bilateral relations. He also met the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, and praised his support for closer India–Sri Lanka ties.
During his visit, Modi laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo. He also visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura and inaugurated the upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line with President Dissanayake.
