After Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) has reached a three -day Sri Lanka Visit. Prime Minister Modi has received a grand welcome on Friday in Colombo. On Friday evening, 5 ministers of Sri Lanka government arrived to receive. A large number of people from the Indian community were also present at the airport and raised slogans of Modi-Modi. PM Modi will be given an formatal welcome in Sri Lanka today and the guard of honor will be given.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka after 2019. This is his fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2015. There will be a middle bilateral talks in India-Sri Lanka today in Colombo. PM Modi will meet with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. For the first time, the defense deal will be approved. This defense deal will be very important to curb China’s influence in the sea.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi will be given a Guard of Honor at Independence Square, Colombo, after which there will be a formal talks with the President Disanayake in the President’s Secretariat.
According to the news agency, in a conversation between PM Modi and President Disinayake, about 10 important issues will be discussed between India and Sri Lanka, including increasing cooperation in the areas of defense, energy security and digitization. Modi reached Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on Friday evening, where he was strongly welcomed. Five top Sri Lankan ministers, including Foreign Minister Vijita Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatisa and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrashekhar, received the Prime Minister at Bhandarnayake Airport.
Modi wrote on ‘X’, I have reached Colombo. I am grateful to ministers and dignitaries who welcome me at the airport. The programs to be held in Sri Lanka are eagerly awaited.
People of Indian origin also welcomed PM Modi
The Prime Minister, who arrived in Sri Lanka after completing the two -day visit to Thailand, was warmly welcomed by a group of people of Indian origin at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Modi, who on a three -day visit to Sri Lanka, will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by Disinayake as President. The Prime Minister last visited Sri Lanka in 2019.
Today will be bilateral talks
The Prime Minister and the President of Sri Lanka will hold face-to-face and delegation level talks on Saturday, in which at least 10 issues, including the defense cooperation agreement and intensive participation in the energy sector, are expected to be discussed at least 10 issues.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka is taking place at a time when the island nation is indicating to overcome economic stress. Sri Lanka was struggling with a major economic crisis three years ago and India gave financial assistance of US $ 4.5 billion. The cooperation in the digital domain by both sides is also expected to be signed a separate agreement.
Three -day tour schedule …
Modi will pay floral tributes at the IPKF (Indian Peace Sena) memorial on Saturday. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in Colombo said that the assistance of the island nation of New Delhi was unprecedented in the context of any country in the world. This was a huge help and we are continue to work with Sri Lanka to provide help in various fields and it is highly appreciated here.
He said, we are adding a new agenda in the relationship because you all know that India and Sri Lanka are the closest marine neighbors. He said that this relationship is very important for us given our common history, geography and cultural relations.
He said, there is an understanding between the two countries that we have a common future. In Colombo, Modi and Disinayak will dedicate many projects being made with the help of India. The two leaders will also witness the virtual foundation stone of the Sampur Solar Energy Project.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt said last week that it will prove to be a milestone in many ways in bilateral partnership. Modi will also meet many political leaders.
On April 6, Modi and Disinayak will go to the historic city of Anuradhapura, where they will offer prayers at the Mahabodhi temple. They will also jointly inaugurate the two projects aided by India there.