The Sri Lankan media was blocked out from covering Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, with the President’s Media Division (PMD) taking full control of the coverage and failing dismally in coordinating events with local journalists.

While the Indian High Commission coordinated the Indian media personnel, an entourage of around 30, many travelling with their prime minister, the Sri Lankan media was left to its own devices, given access to cover only the ceremonial welcome at Independence Square.

At the event where the two leaders made their respective statements, only state television ‘Rupavahini’ was allowed in from the Sri Lankan media, but the entire Indian press corps was invited in.

The PMD decided to keep the coverage of a national event ‘exclusive’ to its team, with reports reaching Indian newsrooms before those in Colombo.

Sri Lankan media received the Indian High Commission news releases, including Prime Minister Modi’s speech and details of the agreements signed, and also from Prime Minister Modi’s ‘X’ handle in Sinhala, Tamil and English hours before the PMD releases reached them.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s speech was received more than five hours later.

No opportunity for Lankan journalists

A few Sri Lankan journalists were invited to a briefing by the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistri in Colombo, but they were not given an opportunity to raise questions as only Indian journalists were called by name by an Indian officer coordinating the event.

(This story, originally published by The Sunday Times has not been edited by SLM staff)

Leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka met with visiting Indian PM Narendra Modi in Colombo. 

The PM reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Tamil community for a life of equality, dignity and justice within a united Sri Lanka.

He has also highlighted India’s continued support, in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, for initiatives such as the construction of 10,000 houses, enhancement of healthcare facilities, development of the sacred Seetha Eliya temple and other development projects for the IOTs.

It is always a pleasure to meet the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka. Conveyed my condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah, both of whom were personally known to me. Reiterated unwavering commitment to a… pic.twitter.com/xCjIcWkSrv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025

The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other… pic.twitter.com/5A2VDDjnM1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025

Visiting Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi has met with Opposition Leader of Sri Lanka – Sajith Premadasa.

“Glad to meet Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa. Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines. Our cooperation and robust development partnership are guided by the welfare of the people of our two countries,” a post on Mr. Modi’s X account states.

Meanwhile, Mr. Premadasa has also stated on X : “Honoured to have met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a moment that calls for more than economic cooperation, it calls for a deeper partnership between our nations. Sri Lanka and India have the chance to shape a future of Shared Ascent, where growth is not just measured in trade, but in the wellbeing of our people. Grateful for India’s unwavering support during Sri Lanka’s most difficult times.”

Glad to meet Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa. Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines. Our cooperation and robust… pic.twitter.com/fE8SBn34Yd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025