Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, has praised Gujarat’s long-standing development trajectory, noting that the state has been a source of inspiration for Sri Lanka since the period when Prime Minister Narendra Modi served as its Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Colonne said Sri Lanka continues to view Gujarat as a model for progress, particularly given the shared maritime character of both regions.
Colonne conveyed greetings from Sri Lankan President Anurag Kumar Adishanayake and highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Gujarat and Sri Lanka. “Gujarat has the longest coastline, and both Gujarat and Sri Lanka are seafaring communities. As maritime nations with deep-water ports, we share natural synergies. Sri Lanka also handles a significant volume of India’s transshipment trade,” she said.
Referring to the recent visit of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to India, the High Commissioner reiterated Sri Lanka’s offer for India to utilise Sri Lankan ports as gateways to global trade routes. Discussions during the meeting also covered potential collaboration in textiles, pharmaceuticals, tourism, hospitality, and other sectors.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of an MoU between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Colonne described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening economic and commercial ties.
“I believe the areas for cooperation between Gujarat and Sri Lanka are limitless. Today’s MoU marks the beginning of a promising and mutually beneficial partnership for the people of both regions,” she added.
The GCCI hosted an interactive meeting with the Sri Lankan delegation as part of the engagement.