PM Modi to address Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today attend the inaugural ceremony of International Vesak Day celebrations in the Sri Lankan Capital, Colombo. More than 400 Buddhist delegates from over 100 countries will participate in the conference focused on ‘Social Justice and Sustainable Peace’.

Speaking at the dinner hosted in his honour by President Maithirpala Sirisena, Mr Modi assured Sri Lanka that India will continue its support and remain a strong development partner of the island nation in the days to come. He said India, is prepared to cooperate with Sri Lanka in its growth and prosperity.

Giving takeaways from the meeting, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Panda said, the two leaders touched upon several areas, including focus on Buddhism, promotion of tourism, Buddhist circuit and



connectivity between the two countries.

Panda said, space cooperation also figured during the discussions. President Sirisena also mentioned about the Bay of Bengal cooperation, which was welcomed by Prime Minister Modi.

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa also called on Mr Modi last night and praised the bilateral cooperation over the years. Indian High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu told media that Modi met Rajapaksa at the latter's request.

The Prime Minister will address a gathering of Indian Tamils in Norwood of Nuwara Eliya district. Later, he will inaugurate a 150-bed multi speciality hospital in the same province. The hospital is built with Indian grant. Mr Modi will also visit the biggest Buddhist temple in Kandy before his departure for New Delhi.