Indian Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan concluded a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka on April 20, 2026, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to the island nation. The visit underscored a significant diplomatic milestone, aiming to further enhance the recently strengthened diplomatic relations between the two nations, reaffirming India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision.
Vice President Radhakrishnan arrived at Katunayake International Airport (BIA) at approximately 9:30 AM on April 19 aboard an Indian Air Force flight INDIA-01 (also referred to as Indian Airlines flight SHBH-01), accompanied by a 49-member delegation. He was received at the VIP terminal by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, several other ministers, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Throughout his visit, the Vice President stayed at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Galle Face. To facilitate his movements, a special traffic plan was implemented in Colombo and surrounding areas on April 19 and 20. The motorcade utilized the Katunayake–Colombo Expressway, entering Colombo via Grandpass and Orugodawatta Junction, proceeding along Baseline Road, Borella Junction, D.S. Senanayake Junction onto Horton Place, past the Nelum Pokuna Roundabout, along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, through Library Junction and Flower Road Junction, turning at Liberty Roundabout and St. Michael's Roundabout, and utilizing Galle Road and Galle Face. Police advised the public to use alternative routes during these periods.
On April 19, Vice President Radhakrishnan held a series of high-level meetings:
* He held productive discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The Vice President stated the visit's objective was to "Further Strengthen Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship," while President Dissanayake conveyed Sri Lanka's appreciation for India’s economic, social, and cultural support. The President also congratulated Vice President Radhakrishnan on his appointment. Talks focused on deepening multifaceted India-Sri Lanka ties, strengthening cooperation, and specific areas for collaboration including economic, education, health, tourism, investment, and trade sectors, with particular emphasis on energy security and port development. Key initiatives discussed included the Indian Housing Project and projects under a USD 450 million assistance package for Sri Lanka, specifically for reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas affected by Cyclone 'Ditwah'.
* Later, he met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees (Araliyagaha Mandiraya). During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations, mutual ties, and people-to-people bonds. The Prime Minister hosted a luncheon for the Vice President, during which they exchanged views on their shared civilizational heritage. The Prime Minister also congratulated Vice President Radhakrishnan on his appointment, noting this was his first official visit to Sri Lanka.
* The Vice President also held discussions with Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in Colombo, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, future cooperation, and specifically, expanding trade and deepening economic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
* He met with leaders of political parties in the North and East and Indian Origin Tamil parties in Colombo. During these discussions, India's commitment to the welfare of the Tamil community was reinforced, and regional leaders expressed gratitude for India's humanitarian interventions.
Beyond official meetings, Vice President Radhakrishnan engaged in religious observances on April 19, visiting the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. He was also scheduled to visit the Bambalapitiya Kathiresan Kovil.
On the second day of his visit, April 20, Vice President Radhakrishnan traveled to Nuwara Eliya. He participated in an inspection tour of Indian-aided housing projects this morning, specifically for the Indian-origin estate Tamil community (also referred to as the Malaiyaha Tamil community). He visited houses built with the assistance of the Government of India under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III) at the Liddlesdale Estate, Ragala, Nuwara Eliya, and interacted with the beneficiaries. The housing project in the Ragala area, initiated in 2018, was officially handed over to beneficiaries in 2021. The Vice President expressed his happiness at meeting the Indian-origin Tamil community and stated that the Government and people of India have a deep commitment to the welfare of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. He noted that India has so far provided 50,000 houses for Tamil families in Northern and Eastern provinces. During his visit to Nuwara Eliya, he was accompanied by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Deputy Ministers Sundaralingam Pradeep and Madhura Senewiratne, among others. He also posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter), expressing his delight at visiting the sites. He was also expected to participate in religious observances at the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya.
The broader agenda for the visit included strengthening long-standing ties, discussing post-Cyclone 'Ditwah' rehabilitation efforts, and exploring development cooperation. The visit was expected to see the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.