Sri Lanka: Modi launches two railway projects built with Indian assistance in Anuradhapura

New Delhi: Concluding his successful visit to the island nation,Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, on Sunday participated in a ceremony to inaugurate and launch two railway projects built with Indian assistance in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The Prime Minister, along with the Sri Lankan President, also visited the sacred Jaya Sri Mahabodhi temple in Anuradhapura and offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree.

In a statement, New Delhi said, “The leaders inaugurated the 128 km Maho-Omanthai railway line refurbished with Indian assistance of $91.27 million, followed by the launch of construction of an advanced signalling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, being built with Indian grant assistance of $14.89 million. These landmark railway modernisation projects implemented under the India-Sri Lanka development partnership represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka. They will facilitate fast and efficient movement of both passenger and freight traffic across the country.”

In a separate statement, New Delhi said, “The Prime Minister, along with the President of Sri Lanka, visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura and offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree. The tree is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri from India in the 3rd century BCE. The temple stands as a testament to the strong civilisational linkages that form the foundation of the close India-Sri Lanka partnership.”

The two nations had on Saturday inked several pacts, including one on defence cooperation. The Sri Lankan President had earlier on Saturday conferred on Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan award, the country’s highest honour bestowed on foreign leaders.