PM Modi's Visit to Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Sri Lanka
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Synopsis
On April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura, seeking blessings and strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka. The visit highlighted the historical significance of the temple and included discussions on infrastructure projects and the signing of multiple MoUs.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi visits Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple.
- Significance of the temple in India-Sri Lanka relations.
- Raksha Sutra tied by the chief priest.
- Joint inauguration of railway projects.
- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan awarded to PM Modi.
Anuradhapura, April 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, visited the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura to seek divine blessings.
The chief priest of the temple adorned Prime Minister Modi's hand with a 'Raksha Sutra' (protective thread) while he sought blessings within the temple.
This temple is of immense spiritual and civilizational significance for both India and Sri Lanka. It is home to a Bodhi tree that is believed to have originated from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
Emphasizing the significance of the visit on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, "On April 6, President Dissanayake and the Prime Minister will visit the historic city of Anuradhapura together. They will pay homage at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a site of special importance in the India-Sri Lanka Civilizational Partnership. The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted in the temple's grounds."
Prime Minister Modi arrived in the historic city of Anuradhapura earlier in the day, where he was honored with a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lankan Air Force.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome from President Dissanayake. Sharing a moment from the visit on X, the Prime Minister posted, "In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake."
The two leaders are also set to jointly inaugurate the enhanced railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line and the newly established signaling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway segment.
Both projects have been developed with Indian support, further solidifying the strong infrastructure partnership between the two nations.
The upgraded railway projects have been executed by IRCON International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
On Saturday, PM Modi and President Dissanayake engaged in extensive discussions aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi was also awarded the esteemed Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, highlighting the enduring friendship and deeply rooted historical connections between India and Sri Lanka.
The day also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, with both leaders unveiling key India-supported initiatives.
