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

A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the Committee appointed to submit recommendations on the new U.S. tariff system.

During the meeting, the Committee’s proposals concerning the country’s strategic response to the imposition of these new tariffs, as well as the next steps that should be taken were reviewed in detail.

Furthermore, the Sri Lankan government is expected to initiate prompt discussions with the U.S. government regarding possible relief measures.

The Committee is represented by Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana; Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Trade A. Vimalaneththiraja; Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe; Senior Director General (Bilateral) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Chief Economic Policy Advisor at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Shiran Fernando; Group CEO of Brandix Ashroff Omar; Co-Founder of MAS Holdings Sharad Amalean; Chairman of the Heyleys Group Mohan Pandithage and Ananda Caldera.  

Also in attendance were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma.

(President’s Media Division)