Enthusiastic Reception for 'Vishwaguru' PM Modi in Sri Lanka
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As Prime Minister Modi arrives in Sri Lanka, citizens from both Indian and Sri Lankan communities gather for a warm welcome. Anticipating around 500 attendees, the visit is seen as a significant boost to diplomatic relations and cultural connections between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi's visit symbolizes strong India-Sri Lanka ties.
- Local excitement is palpable with around 500 expected attendees.
- Focus on enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
- Historical significance as Modi is the first foreign leader hosted by the new President.
- Positive expectations for cooperation in defense and energy sectors.
Colombo, April 4 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to arrive in Sri Lanka on Friday after his visit to Thailand, both Indian and Sri Lankan citizens residing in the country are assembling at the hotel where he will be staying to extend their warm welcome. Approximately 500 individuals from the Indian and Sri Lankan communities are anticipated to participate in the reception.
In an interview with IANS, local resident Vijay Palan expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "We are thrilled to welcome our Vishwaguru, Narendra Modi, to Sri Lanka. We belong to the 'Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh,' the Sri Lankan branch, with our parent organization being the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). We are overjoyed that our Vishwaguru Narendra Modi is visiting Sri Lanka. He consistently promotes the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' which signifies that the entire world is one family. His visit is to connect with a member of this family. Whenever he graces a land with his presence, that land flourishes."
Dushyanti Soundhyrajan, another local citizen, shared her excitement, saying: "I am eagerly looking forward to welcoming our Prime Minister. I am a huge admirer of his, and it’s an honor to see him here."
Another resident, Damyanti, remarked: "We all hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard and are excited to welcome him."
Surendra Kumar Ashok, a Colombo local, stressed the significance of India-Sri Lanka relations, stating: "We have maintained strong ties for numerous years. This visit symbolizes our good neighborly relations. We must support each other during crises and foster our businesses. Fortifying trade and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka is crucial. Many Indian tourists frequent this area, and the distance from Jaffna to Rameswaram is only 22 miles, presenting great opportunities for trade and tourism. This visit will further solidify the bonds between our two nations."
Dayamani Ashok, also from Colombo, pointed out the broader implications of the Indian leader's visit, saying: "I believe Prime Minister Modi’s visit will yield significant benefits. It will promote positive outcomes for both nations, enhancing our relations in trade, tourism, and other sectors. We will assist each other’s development and progress together in a spirit of love and cooperation. Welcoming Prime Minister Modi is a momentous occasion for us."
Prime Minister Modi departed Thailand for Colombo on Friday, with his visit aimed at strengthening defense ties and enhancing cooperation in energy, trade, and connectivity with Sri Lanka.
This visit follows his involvement in the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit in Bangkok.
He will be the first foreign dignitary hosted by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka since he assumed office in September. This will mark PM Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka since 2015, with his last visit occurring in 2019.
