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Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wckremesinghe calls for economic corridor with southern Indian states
*Questions current government’s dislike for land link with India
Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday emphasised the critical need for an economic corridor linking Sri Lanka with Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu , and challenged the current government’s dislike for land connectivity with India
Delivering remarks at the fifth Bay of Bengal Conference organized by the Pathfinder organization, he underscored that genuine economic advancement for the region cannot be achieved without enhancing land connectivity between countries and regions. He pointed to India’s anticipated rise as the world’s second-largest economy, with a projected $30 trillion economy by 2050, as a compelling reason for stronger ties.
The conference, held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, brought together a diverse group of foreign ambassadors, diplomats, civil society representatives, think tanks, government officials, and international organizations.
Discussions surrounding a land bridge between Sri Lanka and India gained traction in 2023, with initial studies indicating mutual interest. However, it has since been announced that the current government is not in favor of the project. This stance prompted Wickremesinghe’s strong emphasis on the necessity of such a link.
Even during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, despite some comments during bilateral talks, Sri Lanka has reportedly declined to consider a land connectivity project at this time. It’s noteworthy that the concept of a land bridge was first broached during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as Prime Minister in 2002-2004, and was subsequently mentioned in a vision statement when he visited New Delhi as President in 2023.
“Economic corridors are necessary,” Wickremesinghe stated, citing examples like the China-Singapore link, the China-Thailand-Laos rail link, and the India-Myanmar-Thailand economic corridor. “We had taken steps regarding the Sri Lanka-India land link. But the current government has rejected it. But before that, economic, cultural, political and environmental issues should be examined and discussed.”
He concluded by posing crucial questions for the region: “The Bay of Bengal Conference is taking place at a very crucial juncture. US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on countries. The process of globalization will not change. But the way it is done will definitely change. The European Union seems to be adapting to this change. But what are we going to do? Are we going to come forward as a regional organization? If so, which organization will lead this? Which of the following, BIMSTEC or the Silk Road (BRI) or the ASEAN organization, will lead the way in moving towards this change? Will we act as a region? Questions like this arise before us. How are our Bay of Bengal countries going to move towards the next stage?”
Colombo, Sri Lanka – May 27, 2025 — Sri Lanka is experiencing intensified weather conditions due to the active southwest monsoon, with heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas expected to persist over the coming days, according to the country’s Department of Meteorology.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara. Rainfall in some areas is expected to exceed 100 mm, potentially leading to localized flooding and disruptions.
Other regions across the island may also experience occasional showers.
Strong winds ranging between 40 to 50 km/h are likely in the western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, along with the districts of Hambantota and Trincomalee. The public is urged to exercise caution during thunderstorms, particularly in areas prone to lightning and sudden gusts of wind.
Marine Warnings Issued
The Department of Meteorology has also issued advisories for seafarers and fishing communities. Sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, are expected to be very rough, with wind gusts reaching 60–70 km/h. Naval and fishing vessels have been strongly advised not to venture into these waters until further notice.
Other coastal regions, including areas from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu, may also experience wind speeds of 50–60 km/h. Wave heights in affected zones could rise between 2.5 to 3.0 meters, with the potential for dangerous swell waves and surges along the shorelines.
Authorities urge all communities, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, to remain alert and follow future updates from the Department of Meteorology.
Colombo, Sri Lanka – United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, to discuss the UN’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process.
During the meeting, Mr. Franche welcomed the new government’s commitment to national unity, reconciliation, and accountability. He noted that these policies offer hope to those who value peace and stability, and reaffirmed the UN’s willingness to provide sincere and meaningful support for the government’s future efforts in these areas.
Mr. Franche also expressed optimism about fostering a friendly and productive partnership with the new administration in the coming period.
Additionally, he informed the Minister of plans to hold a commemorative event in Sri Lanka this October to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. He also commended Sri Lanka’s contributions to the UN Peacekeeping Force.
Colombo, May 26, 2025 – Lord Hannett of Everton, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka, is currently on an official visit to Colombo from May 25th to 28th. This marks his first visit to Sri Lanka since his appointment in January 2025, the British High Commission here said on Monday.
During his visit, Lord Hannett is set to meet with key ministers of the Sri Lankan government. He will hold discussions with the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, and the Deputy Minister for Industry and Entrepreneurship Chathuranaga Abeysinghe, UK high commission in Colombo stated, according to the British High Commission.
These discussions will focus on Sri Lanka’s trade and investment landscape, the opportunities for and challenges faced by UK companies, and plans for reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business to support the shared economic growth of both nations.
Lord Hannett will also be engaging with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB).
Lord Hannett will engage with a wide range of representatives from across the business community. This includes senior UK and Sri Lankan business personalities, UK transnational education providers, women business leaders, members of the committee of the Council for Business with Britain, and visits to UK companies operating in the market.
Ahead of his visit, Lord Hannett shared his thoughts, stating, “I’m excited to be visiting Colombo for the first time in my capacity as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka. I look forward to insightful conversations with the Government and the business community about strengthening the UK-SL trade relationship.” He added, “It will also be great to witness first-hand the operations of some of the UK companies in the market.”
He further remarked, “Having recently met some of the beneficiaries of UK-funded programmes supporting Sri Lankan exports to the UK, it will be a great privilege to co-launch the SheTrades webpage, alongside Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board, a resource which will be a great support to women-led businesses in Sri Lanka looking to access international markets. The strength of the UK-Sri Lanka educational partnerships is particularly impressive with Sri Lanka being the second largest market for UK transnational education. I look forward to my discussion with education providers to explore how we can continue to contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce.”
The UK High Commission in Colombo stated that the UK is keen to see Sri Lanka reduce market access barriers and improve ease of doing business and enhance transparency, which will further boost the UK-Sri Lanka trade and investment relationship. Sri Lanka is a valuable trading partner for the UK, with bilateral trade worth approximately £1.6 billion. The trade balance is skewed in Sri Lanka’s favour, with the UK serving as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market.
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