Colombo: Breaking a 28-year-long hiatus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday embarked on an important visit to Sri Lanka with the message that India favoured a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity for Tamils in its "new journey" of peace and reconciliation.
The first prime minister to visit the island after Rajiv Gandhi's trip in 1987 after which the bilateral relationship had undergone several twists and turns while cash-rich China made its push, Modi met President Maithripala Sirisena and expressed his "admiration" for his efforts to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka. However, he made it clear that "unity and integrity" of Sri Lanka that fought a three decades of war for a separate Tamil Eelam with LTTE "are paramount" for India.
"It is rooted in our interest. It stems from our own fundamental beliefs in this principle," he declared in his address to Sri Lankan Parliament. “We are witnessing globalisation of terrorism. We have faced brutal terrorism. We have also seen peaceful settlement. We have dealt with these in our own ways,” PM Modi said.
Read: India, Sri Lanka sign 4 agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit
The two leaders met at delegation level after which four agreements that included easing of visa regulations were signed. Reflecting their desire to give a push to their economic ties, the two countries also took steps to simplify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers on both sides under an agreement on customs cooperation. Modi suggested that fishermen's associations of India and Sri Lanka should meet at the earliest to find a mutually acceptable arrangement. It can then be taken forward by both governments.
In his address to Parliament, Modi said, "Sri Lanka has lived through decades of tragic violence and conflict. You have successfully defeated terrorism and brought the conflict to an end. "You now stand at a moment of historic opportunity to win the hearts and heal the wounds across all sections of society."
Noting that recent elections in Sri Lanka have reflected the collective voice of the nation the hope for change, reconciliation and unity, he said the steps that the government has taken in recent times were bold and admirable. "They represent a new beginning. I am confident of a future of Sri Lanka, defined by unity and integrity; peace and harmony; and, opportunity and dignity for everyone. I believe in Sri Lanka's ability to achieve it," Modi said to thumping of desk from MPs.
Modi, who was received at the airport by Wikcremasinghe on his arrival to this island nation before dawn on the third and final leg of his three-nation tour, said he was conscious of the significance of his visit, noting that it is the first standalone bilateral visit to Lanka by an Indian Premier. Sirisena in his remarks said Sri Lankan government and its people are so fortunate that the Indian Prime Minister came to visit the country, calling it a "blessing".
Modi also announced a fresh line of credit and an enhanced currency swap agreement besides offering Indian assistance to develop Trincomalee town as a petroleum hub.
