News
Modi outreaches with his hands and heart on historic visit
View(s):Sri Lanka and India agreed to take forward several bilateral initiatives at official/expert level in ocean economy, electricity grid connectivity, joint development of the upper Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee, recommencement of ferry services and the establishment of the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka and the Buddhist circuit in India, to reinvigorate tourism and people to people contacts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued last night.
Indian PM addresses the business community as Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake looks on
It came at the conclusion of a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena.
President Sirisena welcoming Premier Modi, emphasised the historic nature of the visit which is the first stand alone visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in 28 years.
Premier Modi said he was proud that an Indian Prime Minister has undertaken a visit even after 28 years, infusing a new energy and confidence into the relationship. The statement added that, while President Sirisena reiterated Sri Lanka’s appreciation of India’s development assistance of US$ 1.6 billion for housing, transport infrastructure and health, Premier Modi in turn expressed India’s willingness to extend further cooperation on Sri Lanka’s needs.
Premier Modi also announced an electronic ‘on arrival’ tourist visa facility for Sri Lankan nationals, operational from April 14, to coincide with both the birthday of Indian Buddhist leader Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
He also announced the early commencement of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Colombo, the ‘Festival Of India’ and holding the “Cricket Connect” exhibition to coincide with the Indian Cricket Team’s tour of Sri Lanka in August. On Saturday (14), the Indian Premier accompanied by President Sirisena, visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura. Premier Modi visited Jaffna last afternoon, where he was hosted to lunch by Northern Province Governor H.M.G.S. Palihakkara.
Premier Modi wound up his historic visit to Jaffna last evening when he met with Northern Province Chief Minister, C.V. Vigneswarana, and later handed over houses built with Indian aid, to residents of Arivayalai. At Ariyalaia, the Indian Premier participated in a traditional boiling-of-milk ceremony at one of the homes handed over to a family.
“These houses are not merely walls of bricks and stone. These houses are an effort to make the lives of those who have suffered, happier,” he added.
Premier Modi called it a unique project which is owner driven. An idea started in Gujarat, following the 2001 earthquake. A total of 27,000 homes are to be constructed under this project.
He assured Jaffna residents of India’s continued support to rebuild their lives after years of strife. “I feel blessed to be on this land,” he said. “I am glad this programme, my final public programme during my SL visit, is one to wipe tears from the eyes of those who suffered,” the Indian Premier tweeted after participating in the event.
The Indian Premier also offered prayers at the Naguleswaram Temple in Jaffna, before departing for Colombo.