Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka today, Wednesday, on a brief official visit aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries, which will also include the inauguration of a hydroelectric power project worth $514 million. This visit is the first by an Iranian president to Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit in April 2008, and it will see the signing of five agreements or memoranda of understanding between the two countries.
Iran agreed in 2010 to build the hydroelectric project; however, funding dwindled after the initial $50 million due to U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran, complicating financial transfers and forcing Sri Lanka to fund the remainder of the project. The project also faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental concerns, and protests from villagers in the area.
The Sri Lankan Presidential Office stated that the project will add 290 gigawatts to the country's electricity grid and will supply water to 15,000 acres of agricultural land, providing drinking water to thousands of families in three regions. The statement added, "The ceremonies, led by the Presidents of Iran and Sri Lanka, will reflect the cooperation between the two countries in this important infrastructure project."
