Modi expresses confidence in times to come Indo-Lanka partnership will reach new heights

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Following is the speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the joint session with President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Saturday.

It is a matter of great pride for me to be awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ by President Disanayaka. This award does not only honour me, but also honours 140 crore Indians. It is a tribute to the historic ties and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Sri Lankan Government and to the people of Sri Lanka, for this honour.

A fourth visit that underscores deepening ties and true friendship

As Prime Minister, this is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka. My last visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time. It was my firm belief at the time that Sri Lanka will rise, and rise stronger.

I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people, and today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty.

I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. 

He said:

Seyar Kariya Yaavul

Natt Pinn

Aadu Pul

Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu

Which means, in the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship.

President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations.

Sri Lanka has a special place in both our Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’. In the last four months, since President Disanayaka’s visit to India, we have made significant progress in our cooperation.

Clean energy and connectivity projects take off

The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline, and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.

I am pleased that today a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System will be inaugurated for religious places in Sri Lanka. India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project.

India has adopted the vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. We also value the priorities of our partner countries.

In the last 6 months alone, we have converted loans worth more than $ 100 million into grants. Our bilateral ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka. Today we have also decided to reduce interest rates. It symbolises that even today, India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.

Upgrading infrastructure and boosting development 

For the social and economic development of the Eastern Provinces, a support package of approximately Rs. 2.4 billion will be provided. Today we also inaugurated Sri Lanka’s largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.

Tomorrow we will inaugurate the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line, and lay the foundation stone for the signalling system on the ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ section. Work for the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port will begin soon.

For the Indian Origin Tamil Community in Sri Lanka, the construction work of 10,000 houses will be completed soon. Training will be provided to an additional 700 Sri Lankan personnel. They will include Members of Parliament, personnel associated with the judiciary, entrepreneurs, media persons, as well as young leaders.

Shared security interests and defense cooperation

We believe that we have shared security interests. The security of both countries is interconnected and co-dependent.

I am grateful to President Disanayaka for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Sacred bonds: Strengthening spiritual and cultural ties

There are centuries old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.

I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of my home state – Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition.

India will assist in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex, and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya.

A call for humane solutions and reconciliation for all conflicts – past and present

We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.

We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka appraised me of his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people ​​and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections.

Relations between India and Sri Lanka are based on mutual trust and goodwill. We will continue to work together to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of our people.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Disanayaka for his warm welcome. I am confident that in the times to come we will take our partnership to new heights.