Sri Lanka is set to host two significant diplomatic engagements this week, marking the first high-level interactions with newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will visit Colombo for the first high-level engagement between India and Sri Lanka following President Dissanayake’s election. This visit is crucial for reaffirming India’s commitment to its Indian Ocean neighbor amidst concerns over potential shifts in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under its new Marxist leadership. Jaishankar’s trip will also be the first by any foreign minister since the presidential election, underscoring India’s focus on maintaining strong bilateral ties.
During his visit, Jaishankar will meet with President Dissanayake to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and development support. India remains a key player in Sri Lanka’s recovery and development, particularly as the island nation continues to face economic challenges.
In addition to Jaishankar’s visit, a high-level International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, led by Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia Pacific Department, will be in Colombo from October 2 to 4. The delegation is scheduled to meet with President Dissanayake and Sri Lanka’s new economic team to discuss the country’s ongoing economic reforms under the IMF’s supported program.
The IMF visit comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka as it works to implement key economic policies to stabilize its financial situation. The IMF spokesperson confirmed that the delegation will engage in discussions on the latest economic developments and reforms, and provide an update at the end of their visit.
These two high-profile visits reflect Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in regional diplomacy and its efforts to navigate both economic recovery and potential shifts in foreign relations under new leadership.
