What Did PM Modi's Recent Visit to Sri Lanka Achieve for India-Sri Lanka Relations?
Strengthening Ties: PM Modi's Visit to Sri Lanka
Colombo: The recent trip by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka highlights the nation's significant role in India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and the 'MAHASAGAR' vision, as stated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's office on Sunday.
Concluding a 'highly productive' visit, Modi engaged in detailed discussions with President Dissanayake and oversaw the signing of multiple agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in defense, energy, and digital sectors.
This marks Modi's fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2015, following an invitation from President Dissanayake, who had made his inaugural official visit to Delhi after winning the presidential election last September.
The Prime Minister's visit emphasizes the long-standing relationship between the two nations, encapsulated by the theme 'Friendship of centuries, commitment to a prosperous future,' further strengthening the ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The visit has significantly bolstered economic, cultural, and historical connections, reinforcing their multifaceted partnership.
According to the statement, Modi's trip 'reinforces Sri Lanka's crucial role in India's diplomatic relations under the “Neighbourhood First Policy” and the 'MAHASAGAR' vision.'
The outcomes of this visit are anticipated to foster collaborative initiatives aimed at mutual growth and development.
Before returning to India, Modi paid a visit to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, honoring the revered Buddhist site.
The sacred Bodhi tree at this temple is believed to have originated from a sapling brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd Century BCE.
During his visit, Modi also met with Most Ven Pallegama Hemarathana Nayake Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Great Eight Buddhist Shrines of Anuradhapura, for a friendly discussion.
He shared insights about the discovery of Buddha relics in Gujarat during the 1960s and expressed interest in discussing the potential exhibition of these relics in Sri Lanka with the President.
In response to a request for developing Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Modi assured that he would take necessary actions following discussions with President Dissanayake.
The chief monk presented a memorandum signed by leading Buddhist prelates requesting administrative control over the Bodh Gaya temple, to which Modi responded positively.
Additionally, Dissanayake and Modi jointly inaugurated the upgraded northern railway line from Maho to Omanthai and the enhanced railway signaling system at Anuradhapura station.
The Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project, funded by the Indian Credit Line, represents an investment of USD 91.27 million, while the signaling system upgrade was financed by the Indian Government at USD 14.89 million.