Modi to Visit Sri Lanka in June After Maldives Trip, Says Sirisena

“PM Modi’s visit is very important to us, we are neighbours and friends,” Sri Lanka President Sirisena said.

PM Narendra Modi with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena. 

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@MEAIndia)

Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka in early June while on his way back from Maldives, reports said on Friday, 31 May.

Modi is expected to be in Maldives on 7 and 8 June.

“PM Modi’s visit is very important to us, we are neighbours and friends. This relationship between India and Sri Lanka dates back over 2,600 years. We’re eagerly awaiting his arrival, it’s a great honour for the people of Sri Lanka,” Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was quoted as saying in Delhi by news agency ANI.

In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack on Easter day in Sri Lanka, Sirisena also sounded off a strong message against terrorism.

“Terrorism takes place in many forms all over the world. Some countries have domestic terrorists. Political and religious extremists organise extreme activities all over world. No matter how international terrorism takes place, it affects all. All the democratic nations of the world must join hands against terrorism. Whether they are powerful nations or small nations, all must get together against terrorism, it is only then will we be able to defeat it (sic).”

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, as quoted by ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings on Friday with Sri Lankan President Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

"Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said.

In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)