Your Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka,
Members of the media,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is the need of the hour that we transform 'Vocal for Local' into a mass movement: PM Modi in Vadodara
May 11, 2026
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For changes to be sweeping and outcomes to be enduring, it is imperative that society and the government work in tandem: PM
Today, initiatives in the education sector are being driven by ground realities and the National Education Policy is a prime example of this: PM
Startups are growing rapidly in small towns, with women’s participation increasing and sectors once considered risky now attracting more youth: PM
If the Covid-19 pandemic was the greatest crisis of this century, then the situation arising from the war in West Asia is one of the major crises of this decade: PM
Just as we collectively tackled the pandemic, we will undoubtedly overcome the West Asia crisis too: PM
The government is making relentless efforts to ensure that impact of West Asia war crisis on our citizens is kept to an absolute minimum: PM
Earlier, whenever the nation faced a major crisis, every citizen stepped forward to fulfill their responsibilities at the government’s call: PM
Today, there is once again a need for all of us to collectively discharge our duties and ease the burden on the nation's resources: PM
We must reduce the use of imported products and avoid activities that lead to foreign exchange spending: PM
It is the need of the hour that we transform 'Vocal for Local' into a mass movement: PM
We must adopt local products and empower the entrepreneurs of our villages, our cities and our nation: PM
Victory to Mother India.
Victory to Mother India.
Popular Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi Ji, Union Minister and founding trustee Mansukh Bhai Mandaviya, President of Sardar Dham Gagji Bhai Sutariya Ji, Dushyant Bhai Patel, Pankaj Bhai Patel, State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma Ji, all ministers of the Gujarat Government present on the stage, all donors, trustees, distinguished guests, and my dear brothers and sisters who have come here from every corner of Gujarat.
Today is no less than a sacred festival. Before coming here, I was at the Somnath Temple. Seventy-five years of the consecration of Somnath Temple have been completed. The restoration of Somnath Temple was fulfilled through the resolve of Sardar Patel. On this occasion, the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated at Prabhas Patan. And on the same day, in Vadodara, the inauguration and foundation-laying of several important projects associated with Sardar Dham are taking place. The inauguration of the Dr. Dushyant and Daksha Patel Complex, the launch of the Educational Assistance Scheme, and the groundbreaking of new projects — all these initiatives will become effective instruments of nation-building in the future. In a way, these institutions will serve as launching pads for the future careers of our youth. I congratulate all of you and every member of society for this noble work.
Friends,
Coming among you today also brings me another joy. The election results in Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry have created an atmosphere of enthusiasm across the country. Along with that, all of you together have created history — the results of the Gujarat municipal and panchayat elections have also been remarkable, and they are being discussed throughout the nation.
Friends,
The people of Gujarat have always valued political stability. This reflects their political foresight. They understand the importance of political stability, because wherever there is political stability, economic growth accelerates. Gujarat understood this long ago. The results are visible today in Gujarat’s growth and in one election result after another.
Friends,
Coming among you and being part of your programs is always a joyful experience for me; it feels like coming home. Because among you, one experiences the strength of society. We all know that whenever real transformation happens, it is achieved through the collective strength of society. Especially those communities that have prioritized education and made equal participation in education their goal have always progressed and reached new heights.
That is why, brothers and sisters,
In every effort of Sardar Dham, whenever I get the opportunity, I always try to stand with you. As Gagji Bhai just explained in detail, in 2021 I had attended a Sardar Dham program in Ahmedabad where the foundation stone for a girls’ hostel was laid. Last year, it was inaugurated. Today, thousands of daughters are receiving education there and giving new direction to their dreams. In Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, Mehsana, and Delhi, many such institutions of Sardar Dham are shaping the future of youth. Even today, the foundation stone was laid in Nikol, Ahmedabad, for a new hostel for one thousand girls.
Friends,
For change to be widespread and its results lasting, society and government must work together. That is why work is now being done in the field of education based on ground realities. The National Education Policy is a major example of this. Today, obstacles are being removed from the path of youth. Discrimination based on language is ending. The focus is no longer only on books and degrees. Skill development and innovation have been made part of education. Young people interested in research are being provided with the right environment. To ensure that youth do not wander without experience after completing their degrees, apprenticeship opportunities are being provided. Just imagine how large a skilled workforce the country will have in the future. The biggest benefit of this will go to India’s manufacturing sector.
Friends,
The youth of Gujarat naturally possess entrepreneurial strength. Today, the Startup India mission is helping fulfill their dreams. Youth from small towns are also becoming entrepreneurs. Big startups are emerging from small cities. Women’s participation in startups is continuously increasing. Sectors once considered risky are now becoming the first choice of youth. The country’s achievements over the last 10–12 years, from sports to space technology, are the biggest proof of this. And our sons and daughters of Gujarat are benefiting greatly from it.
Friends,
The greatest foundation of progress in society is the participation of its women — its other half. Gujarat understood this two decades ago and took strong steps in this direction.
Friends,
Today, the same success of the Gujarat model is being repeated across the country. Crores of women have been given bank accounts. Toilets, tap water connections, and gas connections have been provided. Through the Mudra Yojana, women are becoming self-reliant. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Matru Vandan are working as protective shields to ensure women remain healthy within the family.
Friends,
Earlier, the doors to many fields were closed to daughters. Today, women are emerging as leaders in those very sectors. Women cadets are now training in the National Defence Academy. Our daughters are becoming fighter pilots. Continuous efforts are also being made to increase women’s participation in politics. Through the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment, we made another attempt in this direction. It could not pass due to political reasons, but I assure you and women across the country that we will continue striving in this direction.
Friends,
Opening doors of opportunity for women in every field is not only the responsibility of the government, but also of society. I am happy that Sardar Dham is fulfilling this responsibility with full dedication. I especially congratulate and thank all of you for these efforts.
Friends,
One of Gujarat’s greatest strengths has always been that society here quickly recognizes the direction of time. Turning change into opportunity, embracing new possibilities, and preparing early for the future have always been part of Gujarat’s work culture. Today, as the world moves toward future technologies, Gujarat too is advancing with new momentum. In semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, advanced engineering, green energy, and financial services, Gujarat is building a new identity. Made-in-India semiconductors are being produced in Sanand. Production has also started at the Kaynes semiconductor plant. New semiconductor projects are moving ahead in Dholera and Surat as well.
Friends,
We are continuously working to make India and Gujarat major centers of the global supply chain. In the coming years, Vadodara too will play an important role in this. Metro coaches manufactured here are being exported to other countries. Modern rail systems and coaches are being manufactured in Savli. In engineering, heavy machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, power equipment, and MSMEs, Vadodara has become a strong manufacturing hub. The Gati Shakti University here is preparing professionals in transport and logistics. Now Vadodara is also moving toward a new identity in the aerospace sector. The aircraft manufacturing project here is progressing rapidly.
Friends,
Amid all these development efforts in Gujarat and the country, another issue is becoming increasingly sensitive. Over the past few years, the world has been passing through unstable conditions. First came the Corona crisis, then global economic challenges, and now rising tensions in West Asia. These situations are continuously affecting the entire world, and India is not untouched by them. If the Corona pandemic was the biggest crisis of this century, then the conditions created by war in West Asia are among the biggest crises of this decade. Just as we together overcame the pandemic, we will overcome this crisis too.
The government is continuously trying to ensure that these adverse circumstances have the least possible impact on ordinary citizens. But at such a time, the country greatly needs the power of public participation. As citizens of India, we must prioritize our duties. In earlier decades too, whenever the country faced war or major crises, citizens fulfilled their responsibilities in response to the government’s call. Even today, we must all work together to reduce the burden on the country’s resources. India spends lakhs of crores of rupees in foreign exchange importing many products. At the same time, the prices of imported goods are soaring and supply chains have been badly disrupted. Therefore, the country is facing a double challenge.
Just as a pot fills drop by drop, we too must reduce the use of imported products through every small effort, and avoid personal activities that lead to unnecessary foreign exchange expenditure.
Friends,
A major portion of India’s imports is crude oil. Unfortunately, the region that supplies much of the world’s oil is currently caught in conflict and war. Therefore, until conditions normalize, we must all take small pledges together. I spoke about this yesterday in Karnataka and Telangana, and today I am emphasizing it again in Gujarat. And since I have a greater right over you, I will say this affectionately: wherever possible, reduce the use of petrol and diesel. Use metro services, electric buses, and public transport more. Promote carpooling. Those who own cars should travel with more people together. Those who own electric vehicles should also come forward to help others.
Friends,
Digital technology has made many things easier. Technology can greatly benefit us. It is important that both government and private offices prioritize virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements. I would also request some schools to work on arrangements for online classes for some time.
Friends,
Not only fuel, but also edible oil imports consume a large amount of foreign exchange. If we exercise restraint and reduce the consumption of cooking oil, both the country and our health will benefit. And I especially say this to the people of Surat.
Similarly, as a member of your family, I appeal to all brothers and sisters: the import of gold also causes huge foreign exchange outflow. I urge all countrymen that until conditions normalize, we should postpone purchasing gold. There is no need for gold right now.
Friends,
Today, the need of the hour is to make “Vocal for Local” a people’s movement. Replace foreign goods with local products. Strengthen entrepreneurs from your villages, cities, and country. Many people sitting here produce excellent and world-class goods.
Friends,
Most of us come from farming backgrounds. In agriculture, we should promote indigenous fertilizers and natural farming. Solar pumps should replace diesel pumps. We are sons and daughters of farmers; we must first save our fields and Mother Earth. We should not destroy our soil through chemical fertilizers. Therefore, I urge all of you to guide every farmer in your village toward freedom from chemical fertilizers and toward natural farming.
Friends,
There is another important issue that applies to many among you — please do not mind. It has become fashionable that as soon as vacations begin, children are handed tickets to foreign countries. People spend vacations abroad. Summer holidays are approaching. Nowadays foreign travel and destination weddings abroad have become a growing trend. Earlier, people used to send me invitations; now they do not, because weddings are being held abroad. But this also results in huge foreign exchange expenditure.
Friends,
Think about it — are there no beautiful places in India where we can spend our vacations? Let us teach our children our history and take pride in our own places. It is important that we vacation within India. And for weddings too, I do not believe there can be a more sacred place than India. When weddings take place here, even the soil of our ancestors blesses us.
For weddings too, India has many wonderful locations, and we should choose them. In Gujarat itself, there are countless beautiful places. I especially tell my Patidar brothers that now you should organize weddings at the Statue of Unity, where Sardar Saheb himself will bless every marriage. Just as arrangements are being made in Haridwar and Rishikesh for peace and spirituality, similar facilities should be developed at the Statue of Unity for weddings.
In recent years, the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar have emerged as major tourism centers. Can we resolve to encourage as many people as possible to visit the Statue of Unity? Many Indians live abroad; I tell them that it is their responsibility to bring foreign families to see India. Motivate every family you know, in India or abroad, who has not yet visited the Statue of Unity, to make at least one trip there. Ekta Nagar can also become a wonderful destination for weddings. The facilities at the Statue of Unity are excellent, and we all feel proud that the world’s tallest statue is of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. No citizen of this country can fail to feel pride in this.
Friends,
The efforts I have mentioned are all small efforts; I have not asked you to do anything difficult. But remember, even small efforts become the nation’s greatest strength when 140 crore Indians move together with one resolve. When 140 crore people take one step forward, the country moves forward by 140 crore steps.
Therefore, once again, we must unite so that no crisis can hinder our progress and development. I am confident that together we will fulfill these resolutions and strengthen the country.
And I also want to say one thing to Gagji Bhai. You honored me with the Sardar Gaurav Ratna award. When an award carries the name of Sardar Saheb, responsibility increases greatly. In a way, Gagji Bhai has cleverly tied me down and told me not to step back. Perhaps it is written in my destiny that all the dreams and unfinished works of Sardar Saheb are to be completed by me.
Today, after receiving this honor and award, I assure you that with your blessings, the strength and values I have received from the soil of Gujarat will ensure that I never step back from working to fulfill Sardar Saheb’s dreams. Gujarat knows my nature very well — stepping back is not something I know how to do.
This honor means a lot to me. I once read an anecdote about General Cariappa. There was going to be a ceremony in his village to honor him, and he was extremely happy. When people asked why, he said that all over the world he received salutes and honors according to military traditions, but the joy of receiving honor at home is entirely different.
Today, the Prime Minister of India is respected across the world because India is becoming powerful. But when one receives blessings from one’s own people, from one’s own family, it greatly increases the strength to work.
I am deeply grateful to all of you for the blessings you have given me in the form of this Sardar Ratna award, and I accept this debt with humility.
Once again, may God give you strength to fulfill the dreams and resolutions with which you are moving forward. May the blessings of Sardar Saheb always remain upon you, and may you continue to have companions like Pankaj Bhai. Three of us sitting here share a special connection — Pankaj Bhai, Narhari Amin, and I — we are all children of the Navnirman movement. I am happy that today Pankaj Bhai has also taken on a major responsibility.
