Sri Lanka will never allow its territory to be used in any manner that threatens India’s security, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne has reaffirmed.
Addressing a gathering on regional ocean cooperation, Colonne said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had given this assurance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had reaffirmed the commitment on several occasions since.
“India and Sri Lanka share not only a sea but also security. As our President has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka will never allow its territory to be used in any manner that is inimical to India’s security,” she said.
The High Commissioner emphasised that this commitment provides a strong foundation for expanding scientific cooperation between the two countries, particularly in ocean research, maritime security and disaster preparedness.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s dependence on the ocean, Colonne noted that the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is approximately eight times the size of its land area, making marine resources, fisheries, ports and coastal protection vital to its future.
She stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in ocean science, noting that no country could fully understand or protect its seas independently.
Colonne also acknowledged India’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities, particularly through ocean forecasting and early warning systems.
Referring to Cyclone Ditwah in November last year, she said Indian naval vessels already stationed in Colombo had begun unloading relief supplies within hours, with India remaining Sri Lanka’s first and largest responder throughout the emergency.
She called for greater collaboration between Indian and Sri Lankan scientists, including the sharing of maritime data, research expertise and technological resources.
The High Commissioner further emphasised the importance of investing in young scientists, engineers and legal professionals to strengthen the region’s blue economy and maritime governance.
Referring to regional cooperation mechanisms, Colonne highlighted the Colombo Security Conclave, whose Secretariat Sri Lanka is set to host, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), whose chairmanship has passed from Sri Lanka to India.
She expressed hope that initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) would complement existing regional institutions and develop into long-term partnerships built on mutual trust and confidence. (Newswire)
#WATCH | Delhi: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mahishini Colonne, says, “…India and Sri Lanka share not only a sea but also security. Our President has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it will never allow its territory to be used in any manner inimical to India’s security. This commitment forms the foundation for scientific cooperation…”
— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2026