Indian PM Narendra Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, on Sunday inaugurated two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura region of the Island Nation.
The leaders inaugurated the 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line refurbished with Indian assistance of USD 91.27 million, followed by the launch of construction of an advanced signaling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, being built with Indian grant assistance of USD 14.89.
Landmark Project
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that these landmark railway modernisation projects implemented under the India-Sri Lanka development partnership represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka.
“They would facilitate fast and efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across the country,” the statement said.
Modi Visits Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple
Modi also visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura and offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree.
The tree is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri from India in the 3rd Century BCE.
The temple stands as a testament to the strong civilizational linkages that form the foundation of the close India-Sri Lanka partnership.
Modi arrived in Sri Lanka after completing his trip to Thailand.
He visited the BIMSTEC Summit in the country.
Sri Lankan President Assures India Of Security Support
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country would not allow its soil to be used in ways that could compromise India’s security interests, a commitment aimed at easing New Delhi’s concerns over growing Chinese influence in the region.
The assurance came during bilateral talks focused on deepening cooperation in defence, energy and trade.
“I reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability,” President Dissanayake said during their meeting.
