- By Ajeet Kumar
- Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, jointly inaugurated major India-assisted infrastructure projects in the historic city of Anuradhapura on Sunday. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line and the newly constructed signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway segment. Both projects have been developed with Indian assistance.
Upon his arrival, PM Modiwas warmly received by President Dissanayake. Sharing a moment from the visit on X, the Prime Minister posted, "In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake."
Boosting connectivity and enhancing friendship!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025
In Anuradhapura, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I jointly inaugurated the track upgradation of the existing Maho-Omanthai railway line. The signalling project which involves the installation of an advanced signalling and… pic.twitter.com/n9ITvkXe9H
The upgraded railway projects have been executed by IRCON International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. IRCON CMD Hari Mohan Gupta said, "Today, is a very fortunate day that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Sri Lanka together are dedicating to the nation an upgraded railway project spanning 128 kilometres."
PM Modi visits Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Sri Lanka
Later in the day, PM Modi visited the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura to seek blessings. The chief priest of the temple tied a 'Raksha Sutra' (protective thread) on Prime Minister Modi's hand as he sought blessings at the temple.
This temple holds immense spiritual and civilisational significance for India and Sri Lanka. The temple is home to a Bodhi tree believed to have been grown from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka.
Offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President Dissanayake. It’s a deeply humbling moment to be at one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. It is a living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha… pic.twitter.com/sUJ0AG7E5C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025
Highlighting the importance of the visit on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "On April 6, President Dissanayake and the Prime Minister will travel together to the historic city of Anuradhapura. They will pay their respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which holds a special significance in the India-Sri Lanka Civilisational Partnership. The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted in the precincts of this temple.
"PM Modi arrived in the historic city of Anuradhapura earlier in the day, where he received a Guard of Honour from the Sri Lankan Air Force. Upon his arrival in the historic city, PM Modiwas warmly received by President Dissanayake.
(With inputs from agency)