India-Lanka poised for "quantum jump in the partnership " says Indian PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that  Sri Lanka and India are at a moment of great opportunity to achieve a quantum jump in the partnership between the two countries across different fields.

“I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka. An opportunity to achieve a quantum jump in our partnership across different fields,” the Indian Prime Minister said this morning   at  the opening ceremony of the International conference held to mark UN Vesak Day celebrations at the BMICH..

Me. Modi drew heavily from the centuries old ties between the two countries that have been cemented by the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the second century BC during the reign of India’s greatest rulers King Asoka.

“The divine fragrance of Buddhism spread from India to all corners of the globe. Mahindra and Sanghamitra, the worthy children of King Ashoka made their journey from India to Sri Lanka to spread the biggest gift of Dhamma,” he said.

Mr. Modi said that the region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings.

“Bodh Gaya in India, where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha, is the sacred nucleus of the Buddhist universe. Lord Buddha's first sermon in Varanasi, which I have the honour to represent in the Parliament, set in motion the wheel of Dhamma. Our key national symbols have taken inspiration from Buddhism. Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy,” he said.

He added that the friendship between India and Sri Lanka was etched in time by the "Great Master" and Buddhism imparts an ever present radiance to our relationship. “

As close neighbors, our relationship spreads across many layers. It draws its strength as much through our interconnected values of Buddhism as it does from the limitless possibilities of our shared future. Ours is a friendship that lives in the hearts of our people and in the fabric of our societies.”

The Indian Prime Minister also used the occasion to announce that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi.” This will ease travel to the land of Buddha for my brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka, and help you directly visit Sravasti, Kusinagar, Sankasa, Kaushambi and Sarnath. My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath,” he said.

(CK)