India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen with Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena during his welcome ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 9, 2019. (Reuters)
PM Modi in Sri Lanka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday arrived in Sri Lanka, the second leg of his two-nation trip, where he held talks with President Maithripala Sirisena. The Prime Minister also met Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka after returning to power, and the deadly terror attacks on Easter Sunday in which 250 people were killed in the Island nation. India has been providing intelligence and assistance in the investigation of the Islamic State-led attack.
The prime minister is visiting Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Sirisena, who was recently in India to attend the new government’s swearing-in ceremony.
Read | Terror the biggest threat, need a global summit of leaders to combat it: Modi
During their first meeting last month, the two leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. (AP Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for home after concluding his first foreign visit following his re-election during which he travelled to Sri Lanka and Maldives and held talks with the top leadership of the two countries, news agency PTI reported.
"I assure my sisters and brothers of Sri Lanka that India will always be there with you and support your nation’s progress," Modi said in a tweet.
"Thank you for the memorable welcome and hospitality," he added.
Modi received a 'special' gift, a replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue, from Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena after the two leaders met today.
"A special gift from a special friend. President @MaithripalaS presented PM @narendramodi the Samadhi Buddha Statue. This is considered to be one of the best sculptures in the Anuradhapura era. The original statue was sculptured between the 4th and 7th centuries AD, " Prime Minister's office tweeted.
"I am happy to share that the Indian community overseas and the Government of India are on the same page when it comes to several issues," PM Modi said while addressing the Indian community at India House in Colombo, news agency ANI reported.
"Today India’s position in the world is getting stronger and a large part of that credit goes to the Indian diaspora. Wherever I go, I'm told about the successes and accomplishments of the Indian diaspora," he added.
PM Modi addresses the Indian community in Colombo
A delegation of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) led by R Sampanthan met Prime Minister Modi. They also congratulated him on his recent electoral victory.
Prime Minister Modi Sunday met Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.
In his second meeting with Sri Lankan President Sirisena in 10 days, PM Modi said the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that required collective and focussed action. "Reiterated India’s commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future," Modi tweeted.
During his meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. "PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
PM Modi met Sri Lankan President Maitripala Sirisena in Colombo after being accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Secretariat. This second meeting between the two leaders in a span of less than a month.
In the wake of the Easter Sunday bombings which killed more than 250 people, India has shared with Sri Lanka phone numbers of five Lankans suspected to be associated with Islamic State (IS). India has also shared call logs and details of some Indians who were in touch with the family of two Lankan suicide bombers involved in the attacks. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team was in Sri Lanka last week in connection with the agency’s probe into two IS modules in India that are suspected to have had connections in Sri Lanka.
Read | NIA shares with Sri Lanka numbers of five locals linked to IS
PM Modi, who is in Colombo paid tribute to the victims of the Easter attacks in which 250 people were killed. The attacks were led by the Islamic Attack suicide bombers who targetted Sunday mass and several hotel building in a series of co-ordinated attacks.
(Source: Twitter/@MEA)
On Saturday, PM Modi reached the Maldives and held bilateral engagements with President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. The Maldivian government conferred him with its highest honour, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.
Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter terrorist attacks. The deadly attacks killed 250 people when suicide bombers targetted Sunday mass in Churches and several hotel buildings.
During his day-long visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa. A delegation of the main Tamil party - The Tamil National Alliance - is also expected to meet Prime Minister Modi. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of the deadly Easter terror attacks in April. Over 250 people were killed in the attack claimed by the Islamic State.
"Happy to be back in Sri Lanka, my third visit to this beautiful island in four years. Share the warmth shown by the people of SL in equal measure. India never forgets her friends when they are in need. Deeply touched by the ceremonial welcome."
PM Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo where he was received by his counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.
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Welcome to The Indian Express LIVE Blog. Join us as we track PM Narendra Modi's first visit to Sri Lanka after being re-elected to office.