The Sri Lankan government dispatched additional security forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the elite Police Special Task Force (STF) to guarantee the safety of the visiting Iranian president. These increased security precautions were confirmed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa, who also mentioned that several roads will be closed to facilitate the security procedures for President Raisi's arrival.
At the invitation of his counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Raisi traveled to Sri Lanka to officially launch the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP). The goal of this project, which got underway in 2008, is to supply irrigation water to three more districts in addition to the Monaragala district for both new and existing agricultural fields. It also aims to produce hydroelectric power for the country's grid. President Raisi was expected to sign five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to further solidify bilateral relations in a number of industries during his visit.
The Covid-19 pandemic, objections over the environment, and financial limitations were some of the difficulties the UOMDP faced. Despite these obstacles, the project went on thanks to work done by the Iranian contractor Farab Company and funds from Sri Lanka. The original goal of finishing by March 2015 has been pushed out until March 2024.
Iran and Sri Lanka have had formal diplomatic relations since 1962, but their relationship dates back millennia. Both nations maintain embassies in each other's capitals, and Iran has given Sri Lanka development support, mainly in the areas of irrigation, infrastructure, and electricity. In addition to their bilateral relations, the two countries participate actively in a number of regional and international organizations, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).
Mahan Air flights have been permitted in an effort to increase tourism and connectivity. As of 2022, Iran ranks 27th among the nations with the biggest number of foreign visitors to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had received 5,973 Iranian visitors by June 2023.
President Raisi's visit emphasizes the significance of Sri Lanka-Iran relations despite regional difficulties and presents chances for additional collaboration in infrastructure development, tourism, and international diplomacy. The visit shows that states can find common ground to deepen their ties even in the face of global concerns.