New Delhi/Colombo:Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Sri Lanka. It is said that important agreements between the two countries will take place during this visit. PM Modi’s second visit to Sri Lanka in two years comes at a time, when China is trying to strengthen relations with the island nation, thereby highlighting the political and strategic importance of this trip. Modi’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka has reportedly refused a request from China to dock its Submarine in its port.
PM Modi who is the “Chief Guest“ for the ‘International Vesak Day” celebrations in Sri Lanka received a warm welcome in the country. He also visited the Gangaramayya temple along with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He will also meet the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday.
China has invested heavily in Sri Lanka in the recent years in order to boost its influence over the island nation. India had earlier objected to China’s investment of over a billion dollars in a Sri Lankan port. It looks like the Sri Lankan government is currently trying to maintain a balance in its relationship with India and China.
During this visit, Sri Lanka will sign an agreement to develop Trincomalee port along with India. Last month Sri Lankan PM Wickramasinghe visited India wherein he signed a Memorandum of understanding for the port’s development. Additionally, India agreed to make investments in Sri Lanka for sectors like Power and road transport. It is to be seen if any of these agreements formalise during PM Modi’s visit. The agreements will be announced after bilateral talks between Indian PM and the Sri Lankan President on Friday.
Indian PM said that India and Sri Lanka are traditional friends and that he is very honoured to be invited as the Chief guest for the ‘International Vesak day’ celebrations. During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate a super-speciality hospital in Dickoya for which India has provided an aid of Rs. 150 crores.
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