Colombo | DD News

September 9, 2026 11:59 PM

Rajnath Singh meets Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya, discusses development cooperation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo and discussed a range of issues, with development cooperation emerging as a key focus of the talks. The two leaders reviewed progress in several areas of mutual interest, including education, information technology, infrastructure, innovation and research, while also discussing ways to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka. During the meeting, Singh hig...

September 9, 2026 8:20 PM

Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation vital for Indian Ocean security and prosperity: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are essential for the collective security and economic prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Addressing a gathering at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Wednesday, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, were well positioned to work toge...

September 8, 2026 11:07 PM

India will always stand firmly with Sri Lanka in times of crisis: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reaffirmed India's unwavering support for Sri Lanka, saying New Delhi would “always stand firmly” with the island nation whenever it faces a crisis. Singh made the remarks while interacting with the Indian diaspora in Colombo at the beginning of his maiden visit to Sri Lanka. He underlined the close cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries, describing them as a strong foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations. India...

September 8, 2026 5:58 PM

Rajnath Singh receives warm welcome from Indian diaspora in Colombo

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was warmly received by members of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday upon his arrival at a hotel in Colombo. Singh had earlier arrived in the Sri Lankan capital to begin a three-day official visit focused on strengthening bilateral maritime and security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. During his visit, Singh is scheduled to hold consultations with Sri Lankan leaders on a range of issues of mutual interest aimed at further consolidating bilateral relations, w...

April 29, 2026 9:54 PM

India, Sri Lanka strengthen maritime ties with IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo

India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership through the successful conduct of the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, held in Colombo from April 21 to 28. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the week-long exercise saw participation from the Indian Navy, including its Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak, alongside diving teams from the Sri Lanka Navy. The engagement focused on enhancing operational coordinatio...

February 14, 2026 3:59 PM

T20 World Cup: India and Pakistan set for Sunday blockbuster

India and Pakistan will clash in the Twenty20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, still feeling the aftershocks of a tumultuous fortnight in which Pakistan's boycott threat - later reversed - nearly blew a hole in the tournament's marquee fixture. Emotions run high whenever the bitter neighbours lock horns in multi-team events at neutral venues. Pakistan decided to boycott the Group A contest against India, jeopardising a lucrative fixture that sits at the intersection of sport, commerce, and geop...

February 14, 2026 10:57 AM

India and Pakistan fans flock to Colombo, windfall for tourism

Prices of flights and hotel bookings to Colombo, Sri Lanka, have soared as thousands of fans flock to the city to watch India play Pakistan on Sunday in cricket's Twenty20 World Cup. The neighbouring countries and cricket rivals are due to meet during the group stage of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after Pakistan reversed a decision to boycott the match earlier in the week. The game at Sri Lanka's largest stadium is sold out with roughly 35,000 tickets sold ...

February 2, 2026 7:03 PM

Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to be exhibited in Sri Lanka from Feb 4

India will showcase the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka from February 4 to 10 as part of a major spiritual and cultural outreach initiative, reinforcing centuries-old civilisational ties between the two countries. The public exposition will be held at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, with the relics returning to India on February 11. The exposition follows the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and reflects India�...

December 23, 2025 4:50 PM

Jaishankar’s visit reflects close India–Sri Lanka friendship: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Tuesday said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo is a strong reflection of the close friendship and enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Addressing a joint press interaction with EAM Jaishankar, Herath said the visit also underlined India’s role as a first responder in times of crisis, including through the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu. Welcoming the External Affairs Minister, the Sri Lankan Foreign M...

October 16, 2025 8:25 PM

India reaffirms commitment to healthy ageing at WHO regional meeting in Colombo

India has reiterated its commitment to promoting healthy ageing and strengthening primary healthcare systems to support the elderly population at the 78th Session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for South-East Asia, held in Colombo from October 13-15. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Singh Patel represented India at the ministerial roundtable, where discussions focused on the theme “Healthy Ageing through strengthened primary health care.” ...