Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three -day visit to Sri Lanka. This is the first visit of PM Modi after the change and crisis in the neighboring country. On Saturday, PM Modi’s grand ceremony was welcomed at the prestigious Independence Square in Colombo. After that, there was a bilateral conversation between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anua Kumara Disanayake. In which seven major agreements including defense, information were reached.
Sri Lanka has also honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Sri Lanka ‘Mitra Vibhushan’. This honor is given to the national heads of those countries who have friendly relations with Sri Lanka. This is the biggest award for the PM to foreigners. PM Modi also expressed happiness over getting the honor and said that this is the honor of all the countrymen.
Awesome bonding
Earlier, in the bilateral meeting, the two leaders shook hands with warmth. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval were also present in this meeting. PM Modi and President Disinayake accepted the greetings of the people. Amazing bonding was also seen between the two leaders.
PM Modi demanded release of fishermen
PM Modi demanded the release of fishermen from Sri Lanka and advocated to give full rights to Tamils. The PM said, we also discussed issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agree that we should proceed with a human approach in this case. We also emphasized on the immediate release of fishermen and sending their boats back. There are centuries -old spiritual and intimacy relationship between India and Sri Lanka. I am very happy to say that the ancestors of Lord Buddha found in Aravalli in Gujarat in 1960 are being sent to Sri Lanka.
‘We give importance to the priority of partner countries’
The Prime Minister further said, India will cooperate in the renovation of Thirukonewaram Temple in Tinkomali. India will also cooperate in the construction of the holy city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex and the ‘Sita Eliya’ temple in ‘Nurelia’. India has adopted the vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. We also give importance to the priorities of our partner countries. In the last 6 months, we have converted a loan of more than $ 100 million into a grant. Sri Lanka has a special place in both our NeighBourhood First Policy and Vision ‘Mahasagar’. It is a matter of pride for India that we have carried out our duties as a true neighbor friend.
‘India stood together in every situation …’
PM Modi said, whether it is a terrorist attack of 2019, Kovid epidemic or recent economic crisis … In every difficult situation, we have been standing with the people of Sri Lanka. Today it is a matter of pride for me to honor the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan’ by President Disanayak. This honor is not only my honor, but it is the honor of 140 crore Indians. It is an honor for historical relations and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.
Modi said, we believe that the security interests of India and Sri Lanka are connected among themselves. We agree that we should adopt a human view on the issue of fishermen. This is the issue of livelihood of fishermen. We have talked about releasing fishermen immediately and leaving their boats. We hope that the Sri Lanka government will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil people. We welcome the important agreement on defense cooperation.
What did the President of Sri Lanka say…
At the same time, the President of Sri Lanka said, I told Prime Minister Modi that in the time of need, Sri Lanka’s assistance and continuous solidarity is very important. Disanayake assured Prime Minister Modi that Sri Lanka will not allow its land area to be used against India’s security interests. Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of developing a digital economy to promote development, innovation and efficiency. Taking forward this policy initiative, Prime Minister Modi and I discussed possible cooperation in digitization in many areas. I thank the Government of India for a financial grant of Rs 300 crore for implementing Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity Project.
What compromises …
For the first time, India and Sri Lanka signed an ambitious defense cooperation agreement. Both sides also signed an agreement to develop Tinkomali as an energy center. Another agreement was made to facilitate the eastern region of Sri Lanka to facilitate the multi-regional grant aid of New Delhi. PM Modi and President Disanayake also inaugurated the Samapur Solar Energy Project. After the talks between the two leaders, there were many agreements between the two sides.
– The agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka for the implementation of HVDC interconnection for electricity imports/exports was approved.
– It was agreed to cooperate in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented on population scale for digital changes.
– The agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates government was approved to cooperate in developing Tinkomali as an energy center.
– An agreement has been reached between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka on defense cooperation.
– Multi-regional grant assistance has been signed for the eastern province.
– A agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Mass Communication of Sri Lanka on cooperation in the field of health and medicine.
– There has been an agreement on pharmacopia cooperation between the Pharmacopia Commission of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Drug Regulatory Authority, Sri Lanka.