Mera Saansad
Search Search
Odia language

Prime Minister's Media Statement during visit to Sri Lanka

Published By : Admin | March 13, 2015 | 12:23 IST

Your Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka,

Members of the media,

27 PM Modi at Joint Press Statement WITH President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, in Colombo Sri Lanka (9)

I am delighted to be in Sri Lanka, in this beautiful city of Colombo.

I have eagerly looked forward to visiting one of our closest neighbours and a nation with which we share so much.

I am truly honoured by your warm welcome and friendship.

I am conscious of the significance of this visit. It is the first standalone bilateral visit to Sri Lanka by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987.

Last month, President Sirisena honoured us by making India his first foreign visit as President. I am glad to be here so soon.

This is how it should be between neighbours. We should meet regularly.

27 PM Modi at Joint Press Statement WITH President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, in Colombo Sri Lanka (6)

It helps us understand each other better; find solutions to mutual concerns; and, move our relationship forward.

That is what we achieved in my meetings with President Sirisena today.

Economic ties are a key pillar of our relationship.

The progress we have made reflects our shared commitment to stronger economic cooperation.

Our trade has seen impressive growth over the past decade. I am aware of your concerns about trade with India. As I said in Delhi, we will try and address them.

The agreement today on cooperation between our customs authorities is a step in that direction. It will simplify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers on both sides.

We are not just looking at addressing problems. We are also focusing on new opportunities.

Today, Lanka IOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have agreed to jointly develop the Upper Tank Farm of the China Bay Installation in Trincomalee on mutually agreed terms.

A Joint Task Force will be constituted soon to work out the modalities. India stands ready to help Trincomalee become a regional petroleum hub.

27 PM Modi at Joint Press Statement WITH President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, in Colombo Sri Lanka (7)

I also look forward to early commencement of work on the ground in the Sampur Coal Power Project. This landmark project would meet Sri Lanka`s energy needs.

The ocean economy is a new frontier that holds enormous promise for both of us. It is a priority for our two countries. Our decision to set up a Joint Task Force on Ocean Economy is a significant step, especially because of our proximity.

People are at the heart of our relations. We have taken a number of decisions to encourage people to people contacts, improve connectivity, and increase tourism.

We will extend the facility of "Tourist Visa on Arrival - Electronic Travel Authorization” Scheme to Sri Lankan citizens from the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 14 April 2015.

Air India will soon start direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo.

We will cooperate in developing a Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka and a Buddhist Circuit in India.

27.5 PM Modi and President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena AT signing of agreements between India and Sri La (3)

We will organize a Festival of India in Sri Lanka later this year. Sri Lanka is where Buddhism has truly flourished. We will be organizing an exhibition showcasing our Buddhist heritage as part of this festival.

The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in youth affairs is an important long term investment in our relationship.

India is privileged to be a development partner for Sri Lanka.

We will provide a fresh Line of Credit of up to US$ 318 million for the railways sector. This will be used to procure rolling stock, and to restore and upgrade existing railway track.

We are pleased to provide assistance for the construction of the Rabindranath Tagore auditorium at Ruhuna University in Matara.

Tomorrow, I will visit, some of the projects, being financed by India, including the housing project. I am pleased that more than 27,000 houses have already been built.

27 PM Modi at Joint Press Statement WITH President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, in Colombo Sri Lanka (3)

The Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have agreed to enter into a Currency Swap Agreement of US$ 1.5 billion. This will help keep the Sri Lankan rupee stable.

We discussed the fishermen’s issue. This complex issue involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides. We should handle it from this perspective. At the same time, we need to find a long term solution to this issue.

It is also important that fishermen`s associations of India and Sri Lanka meet at the earliest to find a mutually acceptable arrangement. It can then be taken forward by both governments.

I also took this opportunity to convey our admiration for President Srinisena`s efforts to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka.

I conveyed our sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lanka`s new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress.

27 PM Modi at Joint Press Statement WITH President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, in Colombo Sri Lanka (1)

We stand with you in your efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka.

We believe that early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process.

I also conveyed India`s commitment to further strengthening our partnership in advancing peace and prosperity in our region, including our common maritime neighbourhood.

I would like to once again thank President Sirisena for the warm welcome and hospitality.

The meeting today has been very productive. It gives me great confidence and optimism about the future of our relations.

Thank you.

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
ଶ୍ରୀରାମ ଜନ୍ମଭୂମି ମନ୍ଦିର ଧ୍ଵଜାରୋହଣ ସମାରୋହରେ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ଅଭିଭାଷଣ

ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ ଅଭିଭାଷଣ

ଶ୍ରୀରାମ ଜନ୍ମଭୂମି ମନ୍ଦିର ଧ୍ଵଜାରୋହଣ ସମାରୋହରେ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ଅଭିଭାଷଣ
View All
India's auto sector to commission ₹703 billion of projects by FY29: Report

Media Coverage

India's auto sector to commission ₹703 billion of projects by FY29: Report
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Smooth functioning of Parliament, collective resolve to take the country forward are the need of the hour: PM Modi
July 20, 2026
May this session witness productive discussions that strengthen India's development journey: PM
We pray that the monsoon remains proactive and the Monsoon Session remains productive, contributing to the welfare of the nation: PM
Over the past month, the country has achieved several milestones at the national, international and space levels that have filled every Indian with pride: PM
Despite the challenges in West Asia, India continued to grow as the fastest-growing major economy in the world, reflecting its strength and determination: PM
Smooth functioning of Parliament, meaningful discussions and a collective resolve to take the country forward are the need of the hour: PM

A warm welcome to all of you.

The monsoon is beginning to show its positive impact, and the Monsoon Session of Parliament is also commencing. Be it the monsoon or the Monsoon Session, when both are proactive, they become highly productive. And when both are productive, they contribute to the well-being of the nation and of all living beings. With this hope, we pray that the monsoon remains proactive and that the Monsoon Session is equally productive.

Friends,

In the past month, the country has achieved many milestones, filling citizens with pride. These achievements span national, international, and even space domains. For India, these have been moments of glory. Just before the Monsoon Session last year, an Indian citizen reached the International Space Station. And only the day before yesterday, a young Indian start-up accomplished an extraordinary feat. There are only a handful of countries in the world where private enterprises have demonstrated such capability. Our young innovators have taken India’s aspirations to new heights in space, and this is a truly remarkable achievement. I am told that the average age of the team working at the Skyroot start-up is just 28 years. It is these young minds who have made this possible. I am not talking about a 56-year-old young man; I am talking about a start-up whose team, with an average age of just 28, has planted India’s flag in the realm of space. They certainly deserve our heartfelt congratulations. More importantly, such achievements instil immense confidence in our nation and further strengthen India’s standing as a respected and trusted partner in the world.

Friends,

This is no coincidence; it is a powerful message—a message that the capabilities and aspirations of India’s youth are as limitless as space itself. There can be no greater inspiration for the nation than this.

Friends,

It is the result of the reform express that the country has boarded, which enables our youth to take such bold steps and succeed.

Friends,

Recently, a major oil refinery was dedicated to the nation in Rajasthan. A few weeks ago, the country’s third semiconductor plant was inaugurated. Just days ago, a green hydrogen-powered train was launched - a facility available in very few countries. But the hydrogen train India has dedicated to its citizens is the most powerful engine-driven and the longest in the world. This is the outcome of the dedication of India’s scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and workers, all working with a mission for the nation.

Friends,

We know well, and the world is concerned, that war-like situations keep arising. The war in West Asia has posed a major crisis for countries like India, dependent on others for energy. Petrol, diesel, LPG, fertilizers, chemicals - all faced disruptions. Yet, India continued to grow at 7.7 percent, becoming the fastest-growing major economy in the world. This reflects India’s strength and its determination to scale new heights with enthusiasm and energy. As the Monsoon Session begins, the country has picked up speed, and Parliament’s spirit can infuse new energy into this momentum. A positive spirit is essential to achieve national goals. Our House has many experienced parliamentarians, regardless of party, whose knowledge and wisdom are needed by Parliament and the nation. Therefore, Parliament must function, meaningful discussions must take place, and collective resolutions must be made to move the country forward. This is the demand of the times and the aspiration of the youth. Today, the demand is that voices filled with patriotism and national devotion find a proper platform in Parliament, to raise their voices and guide the nation. I am confident that where facts and logic prevail, there is no room for disruption. Strong arguments and strong facts allow voices to be raised calmly yet powerfully. I hope Parliament’s discussions are enriched with facts and logic, every voice gets an opportunity, and every idea receives respect. This is our role in Parliament. I invite all MPs to participate actively in this session. This morning, the Speaker also welcomed MPs through social media. I join my voice with his.

Thank you all very much.

Namaskar.