All set for Indian Premier Modi’s visit later today

Final preparations are underway to welcome the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to arrive in Colombo later today. The capital Colombo is decorated with both Indian and Sri Lankan flags along with big banners welcoming the Indian Premier. 

This would be the first time, Indian Premier Modi is visiting the island after National Peoples' Power (NPP) took office late last year. The two-day visit by Indian Premier came following the invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who visited New Delhi after he assumed duties. 

" I will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April. This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives," the Indian Prime Minister said on the visit to the country. 

Sri Lanka warmly welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following my successful discussions in India, we look forward to further strengthening our enduring partnership and exploring new opportunities for cooperation that benefit both nations, President Dissanayake said on the visit.

Ahead of the visit, a special city cleaning initiative was also carried out within city premises. A protest was staged in front of the Indian High Commission against Municipal authorities engaged in removing stray dogs as well. 

During the visit, both parties agreed to review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. Premier Modi is also scheduled to visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura as well. (Pix by Akila Jayawardana)