PM Modi concludes Sri Lanka visit with spiritual, strategic engagements

New Delhi Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his three-day official visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday with a spiritual stop at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, where he offered prayers alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The temple is home to the sacred Mahabodhi tree, believed to have grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sangamitta Maha Theri, symbolising ancient cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. Calling the visit deeply moving, Prime Minister Modi noted that the temple stands as a powerful reminder of the civilizational connections that continue to shape and strengthen the India-Sri Lanka partnership.

In a message on X, PM Modi wrote, “Honoured to offer prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President @anuradisanayake. This site is not only spiritually enriching but also a symbol of the enduring friendship between our nations.” Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka, today participated in a ceremony to inaugurate and launch two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura.

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. 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.

“These initiatives will significantly boost connectivity and modernise Sri Lanka’s rail network,” said PM Modi, adding, “India is proud to support Sri Lanka across various aspects of its development journey.”

During the visit, seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries, covering key sectors such as defence cooperation, energy, and infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 visit to Sri Lanka has been described as strategic, spiritual, and symbolic, underscoring a holistic approach to bilateral relations. Analysts say the visit marks a new chapter in ties between the two nations—bringing together diplomacy, development, and defence in a shared vision for regional peace and progress.