The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, arrived in Sri Lanka on 19 April for a two-day official visit, underscoring deepening bilateral ties amid renewed focus on economic and strategic cooperation.
During his visit, Radhakrishnan held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. Discussions centred on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, education, health and port development, while both sides reviewed ongoing Indian-funded projects, including housing schemes and post-disaster assistance under a USD 450 million package following Cyclone Ditwah.
Dissanayake welcomed India’s continued economic and humanitarian support, referencing his recent visit to India and the trip to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also highlighted Colombo’s interest in strengthening cooperation in digital governance and human resource development.
Radhakrishnan additionally met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and Tamil political representatives, as part of wider consultations.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo, the Indian Vice-President emphasised longstanding cultural ties and announced an expansion of eligibility for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to include fifth- and sixth-generation Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, responding to a longstanding demand among Malayaga Tamil communities.
He also marked the completion of the final phase of a 4,000-unit Indian-funded housing project, and announced the resumption of train services along the Northern railway line restored with Indian assistance, alongside the installation of three additional Bailey bridges to improve connectivity.
On the second day of his visit, Radhakrishnan is expected to travel to the central province to inspect Indian-backed housing projects and meet members of the Malaiaga Tamil community. He is also scheduled to visit religious sites, including the Seetha Amman Temple, before concluding his visit.
Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri are among the delegation accompanying him.
Despite both states’ roles during the final stages of the armed conflict, discussions once again omitted substantive reference to accountability, demilitarisation, or a durable political settlement for Tamils in the North-East.
Fisheries disputes were raised, with both sides agreeing to continued dialogue toward a long-term solution.
