PM Modi's Visit to Sri Lanka and Launch of Railway Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka was significant in many ways. He was conferred with the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan' award by the Sri Lankan government. During the visit, Modi also raised the issue of fishermen, stating that discussions were held regarding their livelihoods, and they agreed that the issue should be addressed from a humanitarian perspective. Modi emphasized the immediate release of fishermen and their boats.
In the final phase of his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi visited the historic city of Anuradhapura, where he inaugurated two railway projects assisted by India. These projects will increase Sri Lanka's passenger and freight carrying capacity and provide efficient mobility. These projects are considered crucial for Sri Lanka's economy.
On April 6, PM Modi visited the famous Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura, where Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was also present. The two leaders then inaugurated the 128 km long Mahaweli-Omanthai railway line, which has been renovated with an Indian assistance of $91.27 million (approximately INR 780 crore). They also launched an advanced signaling system from Mahaweli to Anuradhapura, worth $14.89 million (INR 127 crore) as part of Indian aid. These projects will significantly strengthen North-South rail connectivity in Sri Lanka.
The upgrade of the 128 km long Mahaweli-Omanthai railway line was completed in two phases, with the maximum speed expected to be 120 km/h and a load-bearing capacity of up to 20 tons, facilitated by modern track structures from Indian Railways.
PM Modi's Friendship with Dissanayake
Whether in Colombo or Anuradhapura, this visit reaffirmed the deep cultural, spiritual, and civilizational ties between the two nations. PM Modi shared a photo with Dissanayake during their visit, writing, “In Anuradhapura with my friend.”
Special Relationship of Anuradhapura with Bodhgaya
Anuradhapura, located about 200 km from Colombo, is a spiritual city of great significance. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple here holds special importance in India-Sri Lanka relations. It is believed that the Bodhi tree in the temple was grown from a sapling brought from Bodhgaya in India by Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, Theri Sanghamitra.
Emotional Moment at the Temple
PM Modi, along with Dissanayake, paid homage to the sacred Mahabodhi Tree at the temple. He expressed that visiting one of the most revered Buddhist sites was an emotionally overwhelming moment.
Significance of Sri Lanka in India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ Policy
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake’s office released a statement highlighting that PM Modi's visit reaffirms the crucial role Sri Lanka plays in India’s 'Neighborhood First' policy. The visit underscored the longstanding friendship and commitment to a prosperous future between the two nations.
Sri Lanka Acknowledges India's Support
Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra stated that PM Modi receiving the Mitra Vibhushan award was a significant moment in bilateral relations. He added that the award symbolized the historic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Hemachandra also mentioned that whenever Sri Lanka faces a crisis, India’s 'Neighborhood First' policy has always proven helpful.
14 Indian Fishermen Released
On April 6, Sri Lanka released 14 Indian fishermen as part of a special initiative, following PM Modi’s call for a humanitarian approach to the fishermen issue. President Dissanayake and PM Modi had discussed this issue during their meeting on April 5, agreeing to move forward with a humanitarian perspective.
PM Modi Honored with 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan' Award
Earlier, the Sri Lankan government conferred PM Modi with the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan' award. This award is given to heads of state from countries that maintain strong relations with Sri Lanka. India has historically enjoyed a close relationship with Sri Lanka, especially when the island nation faced economic challenges, with India being the first to offer assistance.
After receiving the award, PM Modi said that it was a recognition of the 1.4 billion people of India.