Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met with Sri Lankan President Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on September 09, 2026 for substantive discussions covering the entire spectrum of the multi-faceted partnership between the two nations. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment as civilizational twins, close neighbors, and maritime partners to work together for development and welfare of their people while ensuring regional safety, security, peace, and prosperity.
President Dissanayake explicitly stated that Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for any activities inimical to India's security interests. He expressed gratitude for India's relief assistance provided during Cyclone Ditwah under Operation Sagar Bandhu and the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended for reconstruction work across Sri Lanka. Raksha Mantri Singh emphasized that as Sri Lanka's closest friend and neighbor, India considers providing assistance as a first responder not as a favor but as a responsibility.
The meeting resulted in the virtual inauguration of three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces and the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding. The first MoU covers the upgradation of six L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force under a Government of India grant, which will significantly strengthen the air defence architecture of critical assets in Sri Lanka. The second MoU establishes academic cooperation between the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka to facilitate knowledge sharing. The third MoU formalizes the NCC youth exchange program between the two countries, providing opportunities for NCC cadets from multiple countries to participate in events in New Delhi annually.
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