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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s interaction with 1996 Sri Lankan Cricket Team

Published By : Admin | April 5, 2025 | 22:23 IST
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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the 1996 Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday. During the candid interaction, the cricketers expressed happiness and gratitude to meet the honorable Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also expressed his happiness to meet them and remarked that the Indian people still remember the team's impactful performance, particularly the memorable victory that left a lasting impression. He added that their achievement continues to resonate with the nation.

Shri Modi recalled attending a match in Ahmedabad in 2010, where he observed one of the Sri Lankan cricketer officiating as an umpire. He highlighted the transformative impact of India's 1983 World Cup victory and the 1996 World Cup win by the Sri Lankan team, emphasizing how these milestones reshaped the cricketing world. The Prime Minister remarked that the evolution of T20 cricket can be traced back to the innovative playing style demonstrated by the then Sri Lankan Cricket team in the 1996 matches. He expressed interest in hearing from others about their current endeavors and inquired if they are still involved in cricket and coaching roles.

Recounting India's decision to participate in Sri Lanka despite the 1996 bomb blasts that led other teams to withdraw, Shri Modi highlighted the appreciation shown by Sri Lankan players for India's solidarity during their difficult times. He remarked on the enduring sportsmanship displayed by India, emphasizing how it triumphed over adversity, including the 1996 bomb blasts that shook Sri Lanka. He noted his own visit to Sri Lanka following the 2019 church bomb blasts, making him the first global leader to do so. He added that the Indian Cricket team also toured soon after in 2019. The Prime Minister underscored India's unwavering spirit and commitment to standing by Sri Lanka in both joy and sorrow, reflecting the nation's enduring values.

Shri Sanath Jayasuriya, who is currently the coach of Sri Lankan Men’s cricket team, thanked the Prime Minister for India’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka during their recent financial crisis. He further requested the Prime Minister if India could explore the feasibility to help establish a cricket ground to host international cricket matches in Jaffna, Sri Lanka which would help the aspiring cricketers and people of the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the remarks made by Shri Jayasuriya and emphasized, “India is committed to the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy”. He highlighted India's swift response to crises in neighboring countries, citing the recent earthquake in Myanmar where India acted as the first responder. He remarked on India's sense of responsibility as a nation to prioritize the well-being of its neighboring and friendly countries. Shri Modi also underlined India's consistent support for Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, stating that India views it as a responsibility to assist Sri Lanka in overcoming challenges. He mentioned the announcement of several new projects and appreciated Shri Jayasuriya's concern for Jaffna, emphasizing the importance of hosting international cricket matches there. He assured that his team would take note of this suggestion and explore its feasibility.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with everyone, relive old memories, and see familiar faces. He concluded by reaffirming India's enduring relationship with Sri Lanka and pledged his full support for any initiatives undertaken by the Sri Lankan cricket community.

In separate posts on X, he wrote:

“Cricket connect!

Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!”

“கிரிக்கெட் மூலமான பிணைப்பு!

1996 உலகக் கிண்ணத்தை வெற்றிகொண்ட அன்றைய இலங்கை கிரிக்கட் அணியின் வீரர்களுடன் கலந்துரையாடியமையையிட்டு பெருமகிழ்வடைகின்றேன். இந்த அணியினர் எண்ணற்ற விளையாட்டு இரசிகர்களது மனதைக் கவர்ந்திருந்தனர்!”

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PM Modi interacted with BJP karyakartas from across West Bengal under the ‘Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot’ initiative, extending his best wishes for the Bengali New Year to all citizens of the state.


During the interaction, the PM reflected on his recent visits across various parts of West Bengal, highlighting the remarkable enthusiasm, energy and growing support for the BJP among the people. He credited this momentum to the tireless efforts and dedication of booth-level karyakartas.

The PM appreciated the positive response to the BJP’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto), stating that citizens across the state have described it as practical, implementable, and focused on holistic development and welfare.

During the interaction, several karyakartas shared their on-the-ground experiences, highlighting key concerns among the people, including safety, employment, corruption, political violence, and governance challenges. Women karyakartas spoke about concerns over security and dignity, while youth-related issues such as migration due to lack of opportunities were also raised.

PM Modi acknowledged these concerns and emphasised the need for continuous engagement with citizens at the grassroots level. He urged karyakartas to strengthen booth-level organisation through regular outreach and small group meetings, actively connect with women, youth, farmers and first-time voters , clearly communicate the benefits and vision outlined by the BJP, ensure transparency, development and safety, use social media and digital tools effectively to amplify facts and counter misinformation.
He also stressed the importance of documenting and communicating local issues, ensuring that the voices of the people are consistently heard and represented.

The PM constantly reiterated that booth-level strength is the foundation of electoral success, stating that “Booth jeeta, toh chunav jeeta.” He expressed confidence that the growing trust of the people in BJP presents a significant opportunity to bring transformation in West Bengal.

Concluding the interaction, PM Modi said that the scale of victory in West Bengal will directly translate into relief and better governance for its people. He encouraged all karyakartas to work with renewed energy, expand outreach, and ensure that every household becomes a partner in this journey of development.