Prime Minister Narendra Modi after concluding his two-nation visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka left for Delhi. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe accompanied PM Modi to the airport.
“I had a short but immensely fruitful Sri Lanka visit. Sri Lanka has a special place in our hearts. I assure my sisters and brothers of Sri Lanka that India will always be there with you and support your nation’s progress. Thank you for the memorable welcome and hospitality,” PM Modi said.
Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday morning after visiting the Maldives. He is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks in April.
“Happy to be back in Sri Lanka, my third visit to this beautiful island in four years. Share the warmth shown by the people of SL in equal measure. India never forgets her friends when they are in need. Deeply touched by the ceremonial welcome,” Modi said in a tweet soon after his arrival.
On landing in Colombo, PM Modi Visited St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade to pay homage to those who lost their lives during the cowardly terror attack on Easter.
“Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured,” said Modi.
“I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” he added.
After paying tributes to the victims of the Easter attacks at the Church, Modi arrived at the President’s House where he was accorded a ceremonial reception.
“Met President @MaithripalaS, our second meeting in 10 days. President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Reiterated India’s commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future,” said Modi.
“PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.
PM Modi held “fruitful discussions” with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.
“Assured India’s full support to further strengthen bilateral development partnership including through people-oriented projects in Sri Lanka,” Modi said after his meeting with Wickremesinghe.
“Leader of Opposition and former President @PresRajapaksa called on PM @narendramodi. Discussed steps to further strengthen wide-ranging bilateral relations between the two countries,” Kumar said.
“Had an extensive meeting with the Leader of Opposition, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. We discussed the need for close collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the fields of counter terrorism, security and economic development,” Modi said.
PM Modi also addressed the Indian community in Colombo.
