India's trust in Sri Lanka will continue; Modi tells President Sirisena

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told President Maithripala Sirisena that India's trust in Sri Lanka will continue to exist despite the recent terrorist attacks.

Premier Modi had made this remarks while responding to the President who had thanked him for visiting the country at a time when the island nation is facing instability due to the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

He had also pointed out that a country's duty is to assist its neigbouring and friendly nations by standing with each other at difficult times.

During the discussion that ensued between both state leaders, Mr. Sirisena had expressed hope that this visit would benefit the economic, trade, and tourism sectors which have been badly hit since the Easter Sunday bombings.

The President had also pointed out that this visit has endorsed the strong and trustworthy relationship which has existed between both countries for a very long time.

Talks between the visiting Premier and the President had revolved around matters of regional security, peace and stability as well as the bilateral relations between both countries, the President's Media Division said.

Modi, who was re-elected as Prime Minister for the second time, is the first state leader to visit Sri Lanka since the recent IS-backed terrorist attacks which affected the country at large.

(Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara)