Honourable Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, was on an official state visit the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka from 19- 20 April 2026. This was the first bilateral visit by the Vice President of India to Sri Lanka. The Vice President met the Honourable President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in Colombo. The discussions aimed at strengthening the multifaceted partnership, including important development projects such as the Indian Housing Project and an assistant package of US$450 million for post-Ditwah Cyclone rehabilitation.
As part of the rehabilitation plan, both sides discussed the restoration of train services on the Northern Railway line, installation of three Bailey bridges in the Central Province of Kandy and Uva. Additional initiatives included enhancing the Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust scholarship. An agreement of Cooperation was also concluded, which focuses on six priority projects under the Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province. This agreement includes the establishment of Batik training centres, premature baby units, contract framer clusters and a sustainable ayurveda village. Sri Lanka has also declared to join the International Big Cat Alliance, which will facilitate international cooperation through knowledge sharing, capacity building, technical support, and resource mobilisation for the conservation of big cats and their habitats.
The Vice President also had high-level engagements with Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, H.E. Dr Harini Amarasuriya. Both leaders highlighted the civiliszational heritage shared by the two countries and the significance of people-to-people ties in deepening bilateral relations. Apart from these meetings, the Vice President attended a community event where he addressed the Indian diaspora. He virtually handed over the last cluster of 4000 housing units under the Indian Housing Project. The Government of India has provided housing facilities to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. He referred to the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka as a vibrant bridge between the two nations. He also announced the extension of eligibility for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to the community up to the sixth generation. He also assured the community leaders that the Government of India will always support the progress of the Tamil community and ensure a dignified life for them.
In addition to official engagements, the Vice President offered prayers at religious places such as the Gangaramaya Temple, Seetha Eliya Temple, and Kathiresan Temple. This visit underscored the enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka, marked by mutual trust, deep cooperation, and shared cultural values. It reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting inclusive growth for people.
