Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka: A Diplomatic Endeavor Amidst Regional Tensions
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Hashim Sheikh
- . April 24, 2024
- . Update: April 24, 2024 10:56 pm
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka following a three-day visit to Pakistan. His Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka, scheduled to last one day, was met with tight security measures across the country, especially along the routes the Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka was expected to travel.
Enhanced Security Measures
To ensure the safety of the visiting dignitary, additional security personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the elite Police Special Task Force (STF) were deployed. Police spokesman and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa confirmed the heightened security, stating that multiple roads would be closed to provide special security for the Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka.
Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka
President Raisi’s Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka was at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to inaugurate the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP). This project, which started in 2008, aims to provide irrigation water to new and existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district and three other districts. It also aims to generate hydro-electricity for the National Grid.
Signing of MoUs
During his Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka, President Raisi was scheduled to sign five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral relations between Iran and Sri Lanka. These agreements would focus on various areas of cooperation, potentially benefiting both countries.
Challenges and Progress of the UOMDP
The UOMDP faced several challenges, including financial difficulties, disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and environmental protests. Despite these challenges, the project continued with Sri Lankan funds and the Iranian contractor, Farab Company. The completion date was extended to March 2024 from the original date of March 2015.
Historical and Diplomatic Relations
Sri Lanka and Iran have a long history of interaction, dating back centuries. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1962, and both countries have embassies in each other’s capitals. Iran has provided development assistance to Sri Lanka, focusing on infrastructure, irrigation, and power sectors.
Collaboration in International Organizations
Both nations are active members of various international and regional organizations, including the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). They have collaborated closely with the United Nations and its affiliated agencies on matters of mutual concern.
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Tourism and Connectivity
To facilitate tourism between Iran and Sri Lanka, Mahan Air flights have been approved. In 2022, Iran ranked 27th among countries with the highest international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. By June 2023, Sri Lanka had welcomed 5,973 Iranian tourists.
Despite tensions in the Middle East, President Raisi’s Iranian President’s Visit to Sri Lanka signifies the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit highlights the potential for further cooperation in various fields, including infrastructure development, tourism, and international diplomacy.
