Daijiworld Media Network - Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Sri Lankan Air Force on Sunday as he arrived in the historic city of Anuradhapura. His visit marks a significant chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations, with the inauguration of major India-assisted infrastructure projects alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The two leaders jointly inaugurated the upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway track and a newly constructed signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura segment. These projects, executed by IRCON International Limited under the Indian Ministry of Railways, are part of India’s broader commitment to support Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development.

Sharing a glimpse from the visit, PM Modi posted on X, “In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.”

The leaders also paid their respects at the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which is of immense civilizational importance to both nations. The temple houses a Bodhi tree believed to have been grown from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the symbolic significance of the visit, saying, “The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted in the precincts of this temple, making it a powerful symbol of the India-Sri Lanka civilizational partnership.”

Local residents gathered in large numbers at Anuradhapura Railway Station to welcome the Indian Prime Minister. “We are proud that the Indian Prime Minister is here. We hope our city grows like this,” said a resident. Another added, “We thank PM Modi for coming here. This railway was very important for us.”

IRCON CMD Hari Mohan Gupta said, “It is a fortunate day as both PM Modi and President Dissanayake are dedicating the upgraded 128-km railway project to the people.”

On Saturday, PM Modi and President Dissanayake held wide-ranging talks to deepen bilateral cooperation. The Indian Prime Minister was also conferred the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed during the visit, covering diverse sectors and further cementing the robust partnership between India and Sri Lanka.