News
Modi reviews Indian projects in talks with AKD
View(s):- Indian premier offers more help; AI cooperation also discussed
By Damith Wickremasekara
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the progress and delays of ongoing Indian projects in Sri Lanka when he held a meeting on Friday with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the sidelines of the AI Impact Expo 2026 held in New Delhi.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vajitha Herath told the Sunday Times that Mr Modi had inquired about the Indian-funded projects and investments during the talks.
He said that the Indian Prime Minister had inquired if additional assistance was needed in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah and also about the status of ongoing projects.
The exchange of knowledge of AI-related technologies used in government institutions in India was also discussed, with India promising to assist in this area, he said.
“The leaders underscored the shared commitment to further accelerate cooperation across the key pillars of physical, digital and energy connectivity. Recognising the role of technology in the advancement of development goals, they also exchanged views on convergences in the deployment of Artificial Intelligence,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said after this week’s meeting between the two leaders.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) on cooperation for digital transformation during Mr Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka last April.
The MoU is valid for three years, during which the two countries will engage in feasibility studies and e-readiness assessments in the context of implementing digital transformation solutions while enabling consultation of public officials and subject matter experts.
Among the projects in the pipeline is the implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project to develop, implement and maintain a national identity system with Sri Lankan citizens’ biometric data.
This is President Dissanayake’s second visit to India after his state visit in December 2024, soon after assuming the presidency in November that year.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!