Srilanka, April 13 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a highly successful visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6, following his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This visit marked a significant diplomatic moment, as he became the first foreign leader to be received by newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. It is noteworthy that President Dissanayake made his first overseas visit to India, signalling the Sri Lankan Government's intent to prioritise its relationship with New Delhi, despite a legacy of anti-Indian political sentiment in his party.

Interestingly, President Dissanayake did not attend the BIMSTEC Summit, where Sri Lanka was instead represented by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. This further unders...