High-Level Diplomatic Engagement in New Delhi

NITI Aayog hosted the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, in New Delhi on 16th October 2025. The high-level visit focused on fostering deeper collaboration between India and Sri Lanka while sharing insights into India’s transformative initiatives across key sectors including infrastructure, education, tourism, skill development, and artificial intelligence.

Opening Remarks and Policy Appreciation

In her opening remarks, Dr. Amarasuriya commended NITI Aayog’s pivotal role as India’s premier policy think tank and coordination platform. She highlighted its unique capability to bridge long-term policy design with effective on-ground implementation. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister expressed keen interest in understanding NITI Aayog’s operational framework alongside central ministries and state governments, particularly its approach to integrating data analysis, evidence-based policymaking, and citizen feedback into governance processes.

Dr. Amarasuriya also shared insights into Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform journey, emphasizing the critical need for institutional mechanisms that ensure policy coherence, evidence-based decision-making, and continuity beyond political cycles.

Comprehensive Discussions on Transformative Initiatives

The discussions, facilitated by Hon’ble Vice Chairman Shri Suman K. Bery in the presence of esteemed NITI Aayog Members, provided comprehensive insights into India’s flagship programs:

  • PM Gati Shakti: Multimodal infrastructure planning revolutionizing connectivity and logistics
  • National Education Policy 2020: Framework for holistic, inclusive, and multidisciplinary learning
  • Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for heritage, eco, and wellness tourism collaboration
  • Frontier Technologies: Artificial intelligence, digital governance, and innovation ecosystems

India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations

Detailed presentations covered the robust India-Sri Lanka bilateral framework, including trade dynamics, investment opportunities, and the prospective Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). Special emphasis was placed on applying India’s multimodal logistics model to Kandy City’s development.

Education Reforms and NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 was showcased as a comprehensive reform agenda promoting holistic development, inclusive learning environments, and technology integration in education systems.

Frontier Technologies and AI Collaboration

Discussions explored collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and governance technologies, positioning both nations as leaders in the digital transformation era.

Multi-Stakeholder Participation

Representatives from various NITI Aayog divisions actively participated, demonstrating India’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and collaborative policy engagement. The diverse participation underscored the institution’s whole-of-government approach to policy formulation and implementation.

Shared Vision for Strategic Partnership

The visit reaffirmed the shared vision of India and Sri Lanka to deepen strategic partnerships through sustainable development, innovation, and skill enhancement. Both nations committed to advancing a knowledge-based, technology-driven, and people-centric partnership under the Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) frameworks.

The engagement highlighted the potential for mutual learning and collaborative problem-solving to address regional challenges while capitalizing on shared opportunities in the Indian Ocean region.