Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three -day visit to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday signed several important agreements after bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Disanayake. It also includes a historic defense agreement. This is the first time India and Sri Lanka have signed such formal agreements in the defense sector.
Sri Lankan President assured Prime Minister Modi
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan President assured Prime Minister Modi that our government would never allow its land to be used against India’s security interests. This statement of the Sri Lankan President has removed India’s biggest concern. Because, this statement is being seen as China’s growing influence and attempt to address India’s concerns about investment. Both sides have also signed an agreement to develop Tinkomali as an energy center. Another agreement has been signed to provide multi-regional grant aid of New Delhi to the eastern region of Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayake also inaugurated the Samapur Solar Energy Project through digital medium. Modi reached Colombo on Friday evening after completing his visit to Bangkok. He attended BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal for Multi-regional technical and economic cooperation) in Bangkok.
Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed
Modi was welcomed by five top Sri Lankan ministers, including External Affairs Minister Vijita Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrashekhar. Prior to the talks with Disanayake, Prime Minister Modi was formally welcomed at the historic Freedom Chowk located in the middle of the Sri Lankan capital. This is probably the first time that the leader of another country has been honored in this way. Disanayake welcomed the Prime Minister on ‘Square’. ‘Freedom Square’ is a place to celebrate National Day. It is named after the Freedom Memorial Hall, which was made in 1948 in memory of Sri Lankan independence from British rule.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, “President Disanayake warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi at Colombo’s ‘Freedom Chowk’.” Officials said that this is the first time that the leader of another country has been given such a grand welcome at this square. The Prime Minister’s visit took place at a time when there are signs of recovering from the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Three years ago, Sri Lanka was facing a major economic crisis and India provided it to US $ 4.5 billion financial assistance.
Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor ‘Mitra Vibhushan’
After this, President Disanayake honored Prime Minister Modi with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor ‘Mitra Vibhushan’. In his address, Modi said, ‘India has stood with Sri Lanka in every difficult time, whether it is a 2019 terrorist attack, Korona epidemic or a recent economic crisis. Our friendship is based on faith.
Important agreement:
Defense Cooperation Agreement: The agreement has been signed to strengthen the military capabilities and security partnership of the two countries.
Develop Tinkomali as an energy center: Both countries have agreed to increase cooperation in this region.
India’s multi-regional assistance in eastern Sri Lanka: Under another agreement, India will provide grant aid for social and economic development in the eastern region of Sri Lanka.
Inauguration of Sampur Solar Energy Project: Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayake jointly inaugurated the project, which symbolizes energy cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to reach new heights of India-Sri Lanka relations, especially at a time when India is increasing strategic and economic cooperation with its neighboring countries. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in Sri Lanka said that the assistance provided by India to Sri Lanka is “unprecedented” compared to the assistance given to any country in the world. This was a great help and we are working closely with Sri Lanka to provide help in various fields. It is highly appreciated here.
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