Full text of the Media Statement by President Maithripala Sirisena:   Within a very short time since my election as President of Sri Lanka I chose India or Maha Bharatha for my first foreign visit. The relationship between Sri Lanka and India extends through a very long period. It is a history of several thousand years. Speaking as a Buddhist we see that the philosophy of the Buddha and the philosophy of Hinduism have a very close relationship.   Sri Lanka as a country that has a very strong influence of Buddhism and Hinduism, the historic relationship between our two countries extends to through culture, economics, commerce and trade, defence and clearly spreads through all these sectors.   Therefore, the discussions that took place since our arrival in Delhi, the warm welcome extended to delegates that accompanied me and the friendship expressed in beginning our bilateral discussions resulted in our being able to obtain the most satisfactory understanding with goodwill among the two countries and will help to build friendship between us.   We were, therefore, able to sign several Memoranda of Understanding relating to different subjects between our two countries. We eagerly await the arrival in Sri Lanka of the Indian Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi in March. We consider his arrival both as an honor and blessing to our country. This will contribute much to further establish the friendship between our two countries and also have an impact on national development. It will also help in reaching understanding on international relations through broad base friendship with the further strengthening India – Sri Lanka relations.   Therefore, in keeping with our long term experience we have the opportunity to work together in the future on economic development, cultural affairs, state security, Information Technology, commerce and trade, agriculture, education and such important sectors. By the signing of MoUs we have already established a good beginning towards future progress.   This first official visit to India by me has been most successful and fruitful and has contributed to the developing and ensuring friendship between our two countries. I, therefore, express my warmest gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Modi and all those led by him for the warm and friendly welcome extended to us. May this friendship continue to grow.