What Modi told Anura who visited New Delhi

A special discussion was held last Friday between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on the sidelines of the 'AI Impact Expo 2026' exhibition in New Delhi. During the discussion, the Indian Prime Minister focused on the progress of Indian projects implemented in Sri Lanka and the delays in them.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, commenting to the Sunday Times newspaper, stated that during these discussions, Mr. Modi inquired about projects and investments implemented under Indian funding.

The Indian Prime Minister also inquired whether Sri Lanka needed any additional assistance in the wake of the destruction caused by the recent 'Ditwah' cyclone, and he also focused on the current status of ongoing projects.

The two leaders also discussed the exchange of knowledge regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) related technologies used in Indian government institutions, and India promised to provide assistance to Sri Lanka for this purpose, the Minister further stated.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated in a release that during this meeting, the leaders emphasized the commitment between the two countries to further accelerate relations in the key areas of physical, digital, and energy. Recognizing the role of technology in achieving development goals, they also exchanged views on the use of Artificial Intelligence.

During the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Sri Lanka last April, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital transformation cooperation was signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of India.

This agreement will be in force for a period of three years, during which both countries will conduct feasibility studies for implementing digital transformation solutions, as well as e-readiness assessments, with the consultation of government officials and subject matter experts.

A key project to be implemented under these plans is the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project, which aims to develop and maintain a national identity card system incorporating biometric data of Sri Lankan citizens.

This marks President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's second visit to India, following his first state visit in December of the same year after assuming the presidency in November 2024.