Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited NITI Aayog in New Delhi on 16 October 2025 to discuss deeper collaboration in infrastructure, education, tourism, and artificial intelligence, aiming to strengthen India Sri Lanka bilateral ties 2025 amid regional challenges.
This Sri Lanka PM NITI Aayog visit underscores the importance of policy exchange between neighbours, fostering sustainable development and economic resilience in South Asia where interconnected growth can mitigate geopolitical tensions and boost trade.
Harini Amarasuriya India Collaboration in Focus
During the Sri Lanka PM NITI Aayog visit, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya engaged with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K Bery. The discussions centred on India’s policy frameworks and their potential application to Sri Lanka‘s reforms.
Amarasuriya commended NITI Aayog’s role in bridging long-term policy design with implementation. She stated that the organisation links analysis, evidence-based policymaking, and citizen feedback into effective governance.
Presentations highlighted India’s initiatives. These included PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning, with potential for multimodal logistics in Kandy City, Sri Lanka. Education reforms under the National Education Policy 2020 were discussed, focusing on holistic and inclusive learning systems driven by technology.
Tourism and cultural exchanges emerged as key areas, emphasising heritage, eco, and wellness sectors to enhance people-to-people connections. Frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital governance, were explored for skill development and innovation partnerships.
The visit reaffirmed commitments under India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR framework, promoting a knowledge-based partnership. Trade and investment under the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement were also addressed, aiming to deepen Harini Amarasuriya India collaboration.
Strengthening India Sri Lanka Bilateral Ties 2025
The Sri Lanka PM NITI Aayog visit builds on ongoing diplomatic engagements. Amarasuriya arrived in New Delhi on 16 October 2025 for her first official trip to India as prime minister. She met India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss support and cooperation in education and capacity building. Amarasuriya delivered a keynote at the NDTV World Summit, stressing inclusive growth and changing corrupt political cultures.
She visited IIT Delhi to explore partnerships in education and technology. At Hindu College, her alma mater, a new research lab was inaugurated in her honour: the Harini Amarasuriya Social & Ethnographic Research Lab. Amarasuriya addressed students on empathy and critical thinking.
These interactions highlight the multifaceted nature of India Sri Lanka bilateral ties 2025, extending beyond policy to cultural and educational spheres. Official statements emphasise India’s aid during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, described as the hand of a true friend in darkest hours. Amarasuriya called for building bridges, not barriers, between nations.
Background
Sri Lanka’s recent political shifts led to Amarasuriya’s appointment as prime minister in September 2024. Her visit aligns with efforts to stabilise the economy post-2022 crisis.
India provided over USD 4 billion in assistance, including Credit lines and deferred payments. NITI Aayog, established in 2015, serves as India’s think tank for transformative policies. The visit occurs amid regional dynamics, including China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
Harini Amarasuriya India collaboration seeks to counterbalance through technology and infrastructure ties. Data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows bilateral trade reached USD 5.2 billion in 2024, with potential growth in 2025.
Sri Lanka’s exports to India grew 15% last year, driven by apparel and spices. Investments include Indian projects in renewable energy and ports. The Sri Lanka PM NITI Aayog visit aims to leverage these for mutual benefit.
What’s Next
Future steps may include joint working groups on artificial intelligence and tourism. Implementation of PM Gati Shakti models in Sri Lanka could start in 2026. Educational exchanges, such as scholarships and tech transfers, are anticipated. Monitoring India Sri Lanka bilateral ties 2025 will focus on Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement progress.
Amarasuriya’s return on 18 October 2025 may lead to domestic policy announcements inspired by the trip. This Sri Lanka PM NITI Aayog visit paves the way for sustained Harini Amarasuriya India collaboration, promising enhanced regional stability and prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 17th, 2025
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