A new chapter has been added to the bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, jointly inaugurated two significant railway projects with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. These projects have been completed with the assistance of the Indian government.
Colombo: On the final day of his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the signaling system of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line. This project symbolizes the strengthening economic and infrastructural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off a train from Anuradhapura railway station. India is providing technical and financial assistance for this project, aiming to make Sri Lanka's railway network safer, more modern, and efficient.
Launch of Upgraded Railway Track and Signaling System
PM Modi and President Wickremesinghe inaugurated the upgraded railway track on the Maho-Omanthai section and the latest signaling system on the Maho-Anuradhapura section. Both leaders flagged off a train at Anuradhapura railway station to mark the launch of these projects. This project was completed by IRCON International Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Indian Ministry of Railways, with the assistance of the Indian government.
Prayer and Worship at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also offered prayers at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura. The chief priest of the temple tied a Raksha Sutra on the Prime Minister, signifying a spiritual blessing. This sacred site symbolizes the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. Legend holds that Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, brought a sapling of the Bodhi tree from India to Sri Lanka, which is now the temple's main attraction.
Grand Welcome for PM Modi
PM Modi received a grand welcome in the historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Air Force presented him with a Guard of Honor. President Ranil Wickremesinghe personally welcomed him. Prime Minister Modi shared this visit on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and appreciated the Sri Lankan friendship.
During this visit, a total of seven agreements were signed between India and Sri Lanka, including defense cooperation. Sri Lanka awarded Prime Minister Modi the "Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushan," one of the country's highest civilian honors, recognizing his contribution to bilateral relations.
