Sri Lanka to Address India as 'Bharat' on Commemorative Plaques During PM Modi's Visit: Report

Key Takeaways

Sri Lanka will use 'Bharat' on plaques during Modi's visit.
Three India-supported projects will be commemorated.
Official communications will still refer to 'India'.
This marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
Modi's visit aims to strengthen cooperation.

Colombo, April 3 (NationPress) In a historic development in bilateral relations, Sri Lanka is set to refer to India as the 'Republic of Bharat' on commemorative plaques that will be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit this weekend, according to Lankan media reports on Thursday.

These plaques will commemorate three projects supported by India, including the launch of the Sampur solar energy initiative, the inauguration of a cool storage facility in Dambulla, and the installation of 5,000 rooftop solar panels at various places of worship. While the plaques will bear the name 'Bharat', Sri Lankan officials will continue to use 'India' in formal communications, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

The report also referenced the recent G20 Summit, noting that the Indian government has been increasingly utilizing the name 'Bharat' in official contexts, as highlighted in invitations sent to guests during the 2023 summit in India, which drew upon ancient Indian texts.

This gesture aligns with a previous incident where Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was referred to as the President of 'Bharat' during his visit to India in December of last year.

Currently attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of President Dissanayake.

During his stay, Modi will engage in discussions with the Sri Lankan President to assess progress on cooperative agreements formed during Dissanayake's visit to India. The two leaders will proceed to Anuradhapura for the inauguration of development projects financed by India.

Prime Minister Modi last visited Sri Lanka in 2019, and this visit marks President Dissanayake's first hosting of a foreign leader since taking office.

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the deep-rooted civilizational ties and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka, asserting that the visit will further enhance their multifaceted partnership.