VP Radhakrishnan Holds Talks with Sri Lankan President, Reaffirms Neighbourhood First Policy During Colombo Visit

India’s Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday held bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, as part of his ongoing two-day official visit — the first such bilateral visit by an Indian Vice-President to Sri Lanka.

Image Via: MEA India

The meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat, where both sides held what officials described as “productive discussions” focused on deepening multifaceted India–Sri Lanka ties anchored in shared history and cultural linkages. India reaffirmed its commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy and emphasised expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.

Glimpses from Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan’s call on with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today. pic.twitter.com/zaQEiNizBz

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 19, 2026

According to official statements, the talks covered ongoing development cooperation, including the Indian Housing Project and initiatives under a USD 450 million assistance package for areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Radhakrishnan arrived in Colombo earlier in the day to a ceremonial welcome, marking a visit aimed at strengthening longstanding civilisational and people-to-people connections between the two countries. The Vice-President is leading a delegation and is scheduled to engage in a series of high-level interactions.

The visit follows his departure from India for the two-day trip, during which he is also expected to hand over houses constructed under the third phase of the Indian Housing Project to members of the Tamil community.

Sri Lankan officials had earlier confirmed that the visit includes bilateral engagements with the country’s top leadership, alongside outreach to the Indian community and visits to key cultural and religious sites.

The visit is positioned as a continuation of recent high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two neighbours, with a focus on development partnership, reconstruction efforts, and reinforcing regional cooperation.