The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Indo-Lanka electricity grid connectivity project is likely to be signed this weekend during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, as confirmed by Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala.

While several landmark projects between India and Sri Lanka are expected to be discussed during the Indian PM’s visit, the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deal has not materialised yet, according to him.

Although the initial proposal to link the power grids of the two countries came about a decade ago, the matter has been taking prominence over the past couple of years. 

In October 2023, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the two grids would be connected across Mannar, while in June 2023, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera posted on X that the Government had made it a priority to implement the India-Lanka grid connection by 2030.

During the visit, scheduled from 4-6 April, Modi is scheduled to engage in wide-ranging bilateral discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as connectivity, trade, investment, development assistance, and people-to-people ties.

The Indian PM will also pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and inaugurate several development projects supported by the Indian Government.

Multiple MOUs are set to be exchanged during the visit.