Trust between India and Sri Lanka is unwavered-Modi

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was ceremoniously received at the Presidential Secretariat. He held bilateral discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s House in Colombo. Prime Minister Modi is the first international leader to visit Sri Lanka following the 04/21 attacks. President Sirisena expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister for visiting Sri Lanka at a time when the country is reeling under the terrible terrorist attacks, thus giving a positive signal to the world about Sri Lanka’s secure environment. According to the President's media division, President Sirisena had stated that the visit also reflects the strength and faith between the two countries. The President also said that the visit also would be useful to boost Sri Lanka’s economic, trade and tourism development. Prime Minister Modi said that the responsibility of friendly and brotherly countries is to help each other when one faces difficulties. He noted that India's trust towards Sri Lanka has not wavered. Since both Sri Lanka and India have been victims of terrorism, both the leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and decided to step up cooperation in this critical area. The Head of State presented a replica of the Samadhi Statue placed in Mahamevnāwa, Anuradhapura to the Indian Prime Minister. This was the second state visit made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his swearing in as the Indian Prime Minister for the second time. The Indian premier arrived in the island this morning with a delegation of 59. He was welcomed by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Bandaranaike International Airport. A group including Minister Sajith Premadasa and Deputy Minister Ashok Abeysinghe and officials of the Foreign Ministry were a part of the welcoming party. Minister Sajith Premadasa was the minister-in-attendance who accompanied Prime Minister Modi throughout his tour. Before leaving the island, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and Leader of the Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan. Issuing a message on Twitter, the Indian Premier noted that during his meeting with Leader of the Opposition, he discussed the need to have strong a bilateral relationship in eradicating terrorism, to strengthen security affairs and economic development. Following his meeting with Indian premier, R. Sampanthan said that during their meeting he reiterated the need for India to intervene in the future to find a solution to the national crisis.