COLOMBO/NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 :  External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday arrived in Colombo on a day-long official visit during which he will hold talks with the Sri Lankan leadership on wide-ranging issues of the partnership.

In a post on X, the EAM said that Sri Lanka is central to India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies
“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome.
Look forward to my meetings with the leadership.

Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.”
He was welcomed by Minister of State Tharaka Balasuriya and Governor of the Eastern Province S Thondaman.

Jaishankar is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

EAM and his delegation will also have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is EAM’s first bilateral visit after the formation of the new Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
⁠Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time -tested friend, a statement said.

The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors.(UNI)