Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo this morning (25).

The meeting was held at Wickremesinghe’s political office on Flower Road, Colombo. 

Details of the discussions between the former President and the Indian High Commissioner were not disclosed.

Ram Babu, the officer in charge of political affairs at the Indian High Commission, also participated in the meeting. (Newswire)

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The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, accompanied by Dr. Rambabu C., Counsellor (Political) & Head of Chancery, met with representatives of Bahujana Balaya recently in a discussion that lasted more than three hours, underscoring the importance both sides placed on open and meaningful dialogue.

According to the Bahujana Balaya, far from being a ceremonial courtesy call, the meeting reflected India’s continued engagement with a broad spectrum of political and social stakeholders in Sri Lanka, including emerging nationalist movements. The talks provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on issues of mutual importance.

Issuing a statement, the Bahujana Balaya said the conversation covered Sri Lanka–India relations and trade cooperation, regional security and the 13th Amendment, community relations between the North and South, and India’s system of governance, democratic institutions, and guiding principles of diplomacy.

The Bahujana Balaya stressed that the meeting was not used to criticize the Sri Lankan Government or President, but to focus on matters of national importance. 

“In diplomacy, the nation must always come first,” the group noted, stressing that constructive dialogue builds trust and long‑term cooperation.

As a token of appreciation, Bahujana Balaya presented the High Commissioner with a replica of the Naga Raksha mask, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural symbols. The mask embodies protection, wisdom, vigilance, and the triumph of truth over evil, with its cobra hood signifying divine knowledge and its striking eyes believed to ward off the “evil eye.”

The Bahujana Balaya delegation included Chairman Milinda Rajapaksha, General Secretary Iranga Mendis, National Organiser Piyal Dharshana Guruge, Media Secretary Anjana Udara, Deputy Chairwoman Kumudini Bandara, and Executive Committee Member Sonala Gunawardene.

The Bahujana Balaya expressed appreciation for the openness of Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Dr. Rambabu C., noting that diplomacy is strengthened through mutual respect, understanding, and continuous dialogue. 

The group said constructive engagement between India and Sri Lanka’s national stakeholders will remain vital for promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha met with a collective of six Tamil‑speaking parties on Tuesday (04), following a request from the group.

According to the Indian High Commissioner, during the meeting, the parties briefed him on issues of concern and outlined their recent engagements, including discussions held with Sri Lankan leadership.

Talks also touched on India–Sri Lanka projects and broader aspects of bilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue between New Delhi and Colombo. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha visited the restored Northern Railway line on Monday (01), rehabilitated under a USD 5 million Indian grant. 

Santosh Jha said the project forms part of the larger USD 450 million post-Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction package.

“Restoring connectivity, accelerating recovery!” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

The Northern Railway line, a vital transport link connecting Jaffna and Kankesanthurai with the rest of the country, had been severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

Five bridges on the northern railway line had been severely damaged during Cyclone Ditwah last year. (Newswire) 

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Sri Lanka and India have held discussions on a USD 450 million post‑conflict reconstruction package, the Ministry of Finance said.

The announcement follows a meeting held yesterday (May 10) between Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

According to the Finance Ministry, during the discussions, both sides focused on the reconstruction package and further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, visited the Udappuwa village during his visit to Puttalam District on Tuesday (17), during which he paid respects at the Udappuwa Sri Parthasarathy Temple and interacted with the people of the village. 

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the residents of this Udappuwa village trace their roots to Akkamadam and Thangachimadam in Rameshwaram in Southern India.

During the interaction with the Indian High Commissioner, the residents conveyed that their ancestors came to Sri Lanka in the 17th century and settled down in the region. They highlighted that they have preserved their distinctive traditions and customs to date, which include worship of Sri Draupadi Amman and a fire walking ritual on the temple premises during an annual festival.

High Commissioner Santosh Jha highlighted that the residents of Udappuwa represent a distinctive facet of the deep people-to-people links spanning centuries between the two countries. 

He informed them of the initiatives being undertaken by the Government of India in coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka to restore connectivity and strengthen healthcare in Puttalam as part of the USD 450 million post-Ditwah rehabilitation package being implemented by India across the country. 

He further reaffirmed India’s commitment to continue to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in support of the progress of all Sri Lankans, including Indian Origin Tamils, across the Island. (Newswire)

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A group of SLPP and SJB parliamentarians, led by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, are scheduled to travel to Odisha, India, on a private visit to participate in the celebrations of India’s Republic Day on January 26, following an invitation from a private university in India. 

The delegation includes SJB MPs Chithral Fernando, Chamindrani Kiriella, Chathura Galappaththi, and Prasad Siriwardena, along with former SLPP MPs Indika Anuruddha, Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Sampath Athukorala, and Political Bureau member Milinda Rajapaksa.

In addition, the group is expected to undertake an observation tour of the Odisha Disaster Management Centre, recognized as one of the world’s leading disaster management institutions, and visit Buddhist archaeological sites dating back to the era of King Ashoka.

A cordial discussion regarding this visit was held recently at the official residence of the Indian High Commissioner, between the Sri Lankan delegation and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha met with Ceylon Workers Congress General Secretary and MP Jeevan Thondaman at India House in Colombo on Wednesday (17), where the two discussed the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and India’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed, in particular, the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and the humanitarian assistance provided by India to Sri Lanka in the aftermath.

Jeevan Thondaman expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and High Commissioner Santosh Jha for the immediate assistance provided by the Government of India to Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

He also apprised the Indian Ambassador in detail about the current situation in the upcountry areas, including the plantation areas, due to the disaster.

In response, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha assured Jeevan Thondaman that India would continue to provide support for Sri Lanka’s recovery. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa called on the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, yesterday. 

In a post on ‘X’, the Indian High Commission said the meeting took place at the India House in Colombo.

The Indian High Commission further said both parties engaged in a discussion on developments in India, Sri Lanka and the wide-ranging bilateral partnership. (Newswire)

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The importance of building stronger cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, especially in the areas of Education, was discussed during a meeting between Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the need for a training programme for officials in the education field to develop the skills in the area of leadership and planning, and pointed out the urgent need to address the teacher shortage in Tamil medium. 

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, during the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office yesterday, she also shared an update on the ongoing education reforms in Sri Lanka aimed at improving access and quality. 

Providing a briefing on the ongoing projects, the Indian High Commissioner further elaborated on school projects in the plantation sector, Smart classroom and Teacher training programme and expressed interest in working more closely together in this area. 

Both sides also had a productive discussion on the importance of future Collaboration in the field of scholarships between universities. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has held discussions with Sri Lankan politicians Tilvin Silva from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), and former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday.

According to the Indian High Commission, the meeting with JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, focused on the momentum added to India-Sri Lanka ties post the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The discussion also focused on ways in which India and Sri Lanka can work together for a more mutually beneficial partnership.

During the meeting with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Indian High Commissioner briefed him on the recent developments in the bilateral partnership. 

The discussion also focused on the shared history between India and Sri Lanka, as well as on the limitless potential of a shared future. 

Meanwhile, the meeting with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa saw an exchange of views on the versatile and dynamic India-Sri Lanka partnership in the context of global developments. 

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha also briefed the former President on the recent advancements in India-Sri Lanka ties. (Newswire)

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As civilizational twins, India and Sri Lanka’s partnership is a necessity and not a matter of choice, and their future is tied together even more than in the past, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said. 

Addressing the Innovation Island Summit in Colombo yesterday, he said among all the shared pursuits, it is important that the nations also have a discussion about the state of the world.

“A shared perspective and understanding would help us rise above past hesitations and old mindsets. It will help us build a new relationship which is suited for our shared aspirations especially as new opportunities beckon us in the 21st century.  

“So, for this reason also, I am grateful to the ORF for choosing Colombo for the first edition of the Innovation Island Summit. I hope this becomes an annual tradition like other such pursuits of ORF led by Samir Saran,” he added.  

Stating that India is engaged with Sri Lanka on the basis of the Neighborhood First and SAGAR approach, the Indian High Commissioner said that India’s relations are based on the principles of solidarity; of sharing whatever best we can offer to each other; and being a partner of first as well as last resort. 

“Today, our relations are better than ever before and spread across a wide range of domains. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has described connectivity, energy and digitization as the three principal pillars of our development partnership. 

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha also pointed out that India and Sri Lanka are also engaged in other areas such as health, education, ports and airports, agriculture, fisheries in addition to security and defence. 

Full statement : 

I know this is not my stage and so I will be brief with my remarks. 

So, first let me welcome all of you to the first edition of the Innovation Island summit in Colombo. In particular, those coming from outside of Sri Lanka; I am told that we have 200 participants from over 45 countries. 

I am particularly happy that we will have a chance to listen to the views and receive guidance from President of Sri Lanka HE Anura Kumara Disanayaka. We are also fortunate that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka would also be taking part and making keynote addresses at different times during this two-day summit. Immediately after my remarks, we will also have the pleasure to listen to Shri Amitabh Kant, a senior of mine in the Civil Service, who has many distinctions. In a country where tourism is a major economic activity, you would be pleased to know that he conceived and implemented the “Incredible India” campaign. More recently, in 2023, Shri Amitabh Kant steered the most successful G20 summit in its history, as India’s G20 Sherpa during the Indian Presidency of the G20. 

I must also thank the ORF and Capital Maharaja Group for organizing this event. This is an effort at bringing global conversations to Sri Lanka. And in my view, this is a good time to have them in Sri Lanka.   

A few observations.

First, Sri Lanka is on the cusp, potentially, of a big change. People’s aspirations and expectations have found a new expression in the two elections held in Sri Lanka. The Covid pandemic and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka has underlined the need for a transformation that many Lankans have yearned for generations to happen. 

Second, Blue, Green and Chrome as the three themes of the conference are most suited for Sri Lanka in its quest for transformation. Blue is an obvious choice for an Island surrounded by waters with huge potential. Green, too, is appropriate as Sri Lanka as an Island country is particularly vulnerable to climate change. It is also blessed with rich potential for green energy, including for energy exports to the larger Asian region. And Chrome because digitization has become the new currency for low middle income countries to transcend their entrenched inefficiencies; and to outgrow them to position themselves to take full advantage of the many opportunities in an emerging geo-technological age. 

Third, and this is my last point. Like any other country, Sri Lanka cannot afford to stay in isolation. Global connectivity and interdependence remain a norm even in this new era of re-globalization. Whether it is markets abroad, or critical imports or tourism, investment and technology, Sri Lanka needs to remain engaged with the rest of the world. This requires a better understanding of global trends and opportunities. I am sure that this conference would help build a better appreciation of the need for global engagement as a means to fulfilling the aspirations of Sri Lankans for change, growth, and prosperity. 

As far as we in India are concerned, we are engaged with Sri Lanka on the basis of our Neighborhood First and SAGAR approach. Our relations are based on the principles of solidarity; of sharing whatever best we can offer to each other; and being a partner of first as well as last resort. Today, our relations are better than ever before and spread across a wide range of domains. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has described connectivity, energy and digitization as the three principal pillars of our development partnership. We are also engaged in other areas such as health, education, ports and airports, agriculture, fisheries in addition to security and defence. As civilizational twins, our partnership is a necessity and not a matter of choice. Our future is tied together even more than our past was. 

So, among all our shared pursuits, it is important that we also have a discussion around the state of the world as well. A shared perspective and understanding would help us rise above past hesitations and old mindsets. It will help us build a new relationship which is suited for our shared aspirations especially as new opportunities beckon us in the 21st century.  

So, for this reason also, I am grateful to the ORF for choosing Colombo for the first edition of the Innovation Island Summit. I hope this becomes an annual tradition like other such pursuits of ORF led by Mr. Samir Saran. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to congratulate the NPP on the electoral victory.

HC @santjha called on President & Leader of NPP @anuradisanayake to congratulate on NPP’s victory in #ParliamentaryElections2024. As a fellow democracy, welcomes the mandate & remains committed to further strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of our peoples. pic.twitter.com/1qMEBn3uSO

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 15, 2024

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The 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo yesterday, alongside ceremonial tributes. 

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue at the Prime Minister’s Office. 

The statue was a gift from India in 2019, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The 42 inches-tall bronze statue of Gandhiji in meditative pose was sculpted by Padma Bhushan Awardee Ram Vanji Sutar. Sutar also has to his credit the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

Following the ceremony, the High Commissioner called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

A Gandhi Oration was also organized by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo. The oration was delivered by Austin Fernando, former High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India. As an annual event of SLIS marking Gandhi Jayanti, it has served as a platform for reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless teachings and their continued relevance in today’s world. (Newswire)

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Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) MP Rishad Bathiudeen has engaged in a constructive meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jah.

According to the MP’s Media Unit, during the discussion held in Colombo last Thursday, MP Bathiudeen expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian High Commissioner for the invaluable support extended during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. 

He also conveyed his appreciation for the significant gesture of granting 50,000 houses to the people affected by the war in the North and East regions.

Furthermore, MP Bathiudeen highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by fishermen affected by coastal erosion in the Eastern provinces, particularly in areas such as Oluvil, Nindhavur, Karaithivu, Maaligaikaadu, Pandiyiruppu, Maruthamunai and Kalmunai. 

He requested the Indian High Commissioner’s intervention during his upcoming visit to the Eastern Province and assistance in obtaining funds from the Indian Government to support the fishermen affected by coastal erosion and to provide necessary support to safeguard their livelihoods. 

MP Bathiudeen also emphasized the importance of providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the war-affected population in the North and urged for collaborative efforts with the Indian Government to achieve this goal.

The discussion also encompassed plans to revitalize the ferry service between Thalaimannar and Rameshwaram, aimed at fostering closer ties and enhancing mutual cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.

Several other key matters pertaining to the development of the Northern and Eastern regions were deliberated upon with a focus on leveraging the assistance of the Indian Government.

MP Bathiudeen reaffirmed his commitment to furthering the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Sri Lanka and India, fostering greater cooperation for the prosperity and well-being of both nations.

Former State Minister and Chairman of ACMC, M.S.S. Ameer Ali too participated at the meeting and engaged in discussions on several matters pertaining to the developments in Batticaloa District. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha has met with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa.

According to the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the meeting took place on Wednesday (Mar 13).

The Indian High Commission said the meeting saw the exchange of views on bilateral relations, political developments and other subjects of mutual interest. (NewsWire)

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Indian diplomat Santosh Jha became the first Indian High Commissioner in recent times to undertake a standalone visit to the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

According to the Indian High Commission, Santosh Jha held diverse engagements in the Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts from 6-7 March 2024.

The High Commissioner met the Governor of the Province, Dr. Willie Gamage on March 06, 2024, and highlighted several projects undertaken by the Government of India (GOI) in the region. 

The Indian High Commissioner also expressed willingness to carry out more projects for the benefit of the people in the Southern Province through grant assistance as well as investments. The Southern Province Governor thanked the High Commissioner for the Indian Government’s diverse initiatives.

The High Commissioner also paid floral tributes to the bust of Rabindranath Tagore, installed in the auditorium named after Gurudev Tagore at the University of Ruhuna. With a seating capacity of 1500 people, this is the largest auditorium in any Sri Lankan University. It may be recalled this facility, built through Indian grant assistance, was inaugurated in 2018. 

During an interactive session with the Vice Chancellor and faculty heads of the University, the High Commissioner expressed interest in closer educational collaborations and conveyed a willingness to further support the University in multiple ways.

The Indian High Commission said India is currently implementing two dedicated housing projects, covering around 50 villages in Galle, Matara and Hambantota Districts. The Indian Government has committed to build 1200 housing units for the homeless, landless and low-income people under these two projects. The Indian High Commissioner visited two villages in Hambantota District to take stock of the progress of these two project sites.

The High Commissioner’s visit to the Southern Province underscored the enduring cultural linkages between India and Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner also sought the blessings of Lord Buddha at the sacred Dondra, Katragama and Tissamaharama Temples and prayed for further strengthening of ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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The newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha visited Kandy on Thursday (Jan 18), highlighting the expanse of India -Sri Lanka relations.

According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the High Commissioner sought blessings of the Mahanayaka Theros of Asgiriya and Malwatte chapters, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayaka Thero and Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thero respectively. 

High Commissioner Jha underlined that Buddhism was central to the age-old connection between the people of India and Sri Lanka and briefed the Mahanayaka Theros on various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India (GoI) to strengthen bilateral Buddhist ties. He specifically mentioned that measures are being carried out expeditiously to roll out solar electrification of Temples across the country through GoI assistance.

He offered prayers at the sacred Dalada Maligawa for the prosperity and well-being of the people of the two countries and also for a stronger and deeper connection between them.

The Indian High Commission further said, he also prayed for closer bilateral relations through further diversification in both scale and scope at Kataragama Dewalaya.  

High Commissioner Jha visited Hanthana Estate and took stock of the Indian Housing Project. While the Indian Government has already built 50 houses in the Estate under the third phase, more housing units are being constructed in the next phase of the Project. Overall, the Indian Government has committed to 14,000 new houses for plantation workers in the two phases of the project.

The High Commissioner also inaugurated an Ayurveda camp, aimed at the physical well-being of the plantation workers. He also distributed study materials and umbrellas to school-going children in the Estate. He remarked that these are keeping in line with the Indian Government’s firm commitment to the overall upliftment of the plantation workers and the Indian-origin Tamil community in particular.

The Indian High Commission pointed out that a multi-sectoral grant package to the tune of Rs. 3 billion was announced by the Indian Government during the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in July 2023. (NewsWire)

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Senior Indian diplomat Santosh Jha assumed charge as the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka today (Dec 22).

Santosh Jha assumed duties after presenting his credentials to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.

According to the Indian High Commission, Jha was India’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium & Luxembourg before taking up his assignment in Colombo. 

He had earlier served as Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan from 2019-2020, and as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from 2017-2019.  

He has held key positions in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, including as head of the Division for Human Resources and Management Affairs, the Division for Relations with Western Europe and the European Union, and the Policy Planning Division.

High Commissioner Jha had also served in Colombo from 2007-2010 as Counsellor at the High Commission, handling work related to commercial and economic matters.  During this period, in particular, he was pivotal in building the architecture of India-Sri Lanka development cooperation. (NewsWire)

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Indian Ambassador Santosh Jha arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to take charge of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

According to the High Commission, Ambassador Santosh Jha is expected to assume duties as the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka today (Dec 21). 

Santosh Jha will assume duties after presenting his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. (NewsWire)

Start of a new innings! Amb @santjha arrived in Colombo today and took charge at @IndiainSL. After presentation of credentials, he will assume his new responsibilities as High Commissioner of #India to #SriLanka. pic.twitter.com/5djzQ5HZ9Q

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) December 20, 2023

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