Synopsis
On April 6, Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake inaugurated vital India-backed railway projects in Anuradhapura. This event represents a significant step forward in the infrastructure collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing connectivity and safety in the region.Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake launched significant railway projects.
- Upgraded railway track and new signalling system introduced.
- Projects supported by IRCON International.
- Visited Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple for blessings.
- Strengthened bilateral cooperation and signed new MoUs.
Anuradhapura, April 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, officially inaugurated and launched pivotal India-supported railway projects in Anuradhapura on Sunday, highlighting a remarkable achievement in the evolving infrastructure partnership between the two countries.
During a formal ceremony at the Anuradhapura Railway Station, the two leaders initiated two significant projects — the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line and the newly installed signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura segment.
Both initiatives were carried out with assistance from India and are anticipated to greatly enhance connectivity and safety throughout the northern railway network.
Numerous enthusiastic locals gathered at the station to greet the leaders, many capturing the historic moment on their smartphones as Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake arrived together.
The railway projects were developed by IRCON International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
Speaking to IANS, IRCON CMD Hari Mohan Gupta expressed, "Today is an auspicious day as our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the President of Sri Lanka dedicate an upgraded railway project spanning 128 kilometers, which was previously in dire condition."
"It is a moment of great pride for India and Sri Lanka," he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake visited the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple to offer their prayers.
This temple, a key spiritual and civilizational site, is home to the sacred Bodhi tree, believed to have originated from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
As a gesture of goodwill, the chief priest of the temple tied a Raksha Sutra (protective thread) around Prime Minister Modi's wrist during their visit.
Emphasizing the symbolic significance of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, "President Dissanayake and the Prime Minister will jointly travel to the historic city of Anuradhapura. They will pay their respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which holds great importance in the India-Sri Lanka Civilizational Partnership. The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted on the temple grounds."
Upon his arrival in Anuradhapura, PM Modi was honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour from the Sri Lankan Air Force.
Sharing a moment from the visit, Prime Minister Modi posted a photo with President Dissanayake on X, stating, "In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake."
On the previous day, the two leaders engaged in extensive discussions in Colombo aimed at bolstering cooperation across multiple sectors.
Following their talks, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in the country, recognizing India's steadfast support and Modi's personal efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
The day also featured the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with both leaders jointly unveiling new India-supported initiatives in infrastructure, energy, and development sectors.
