Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a tri-services ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in the heart of the Sri Lankan capitalon Saturday, marking it as the first such honour given to a foreign leader.
Reportedly, it was the first time a foreign leader was accorded such a welcome at the Independence Square.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a tri-services ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in the heart of the Sri Lankan capitalon Saturday, marking it as the first such honour given to a foreign leader.
The two leaders signed a pact on defence cooperation following talks on Saturday. PM Modi and President Dissanayake virtually also inaugurated Sampur solar power project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake received the prime minister at the Square -- the venue for national day celebrations and takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built to commemorate the island nation's independence from British rule in 1948.
PM Modi landed in Colombo last evening after concluding his trip to Bangkok where he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
The prime minister's visit to Sri Lanka comes at a time when the island nation is showing signs of recovery from the economic stress. The country was reeling under a massive economic crisis three years back and India extended financial assistance worth USD 4.5 billion.
PM Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Mithra Vibhushana' award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of his role in boosting bilateral ties.
The award, the highest civilian honour of the island nation, was instituted in February 2008 by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Its previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
"It is an honour for me to be awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana by President Dissanayake. It is also an honour for 1.4 billion Indians," Modi said in his remarks.
The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo. The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems and the symbols of a lotus, globe, sun, moon and sheaves of rice.
The Dharma Chakra on the medal reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The Pun Kalasa or ceremonial pot adorned with sheaves of rice symbolises prosperity and renewal, according to an official. The Navarathna or nine precious gems are depicted within a globe encircled by lotus petals.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post that "PM @narendramodiwas welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo."
"Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our people, lie ahead," he added.
Officials said it was the first time a foreign leader was accorded such a welcome at the Independence Square.
The defence pact is among seven key agreements signed by the two sides following wide-ranging talks between PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Another important agreement that the two sides inked was on developing Trincomalee as an energy hub.
"We believe that our security interests are similar. The security of both countries is interlinked and dependent on each other," PM Modi said in his media statement.
"I am grateful to President Dissanayake for his sensitivity towards India's interests. We welcome the important agreements concluded in defence cooperation," he said.
In his remarks, Dissanayake said he assured PM Modi that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used in any manner inimical to India's security interests.
He said he also conveyed to Modi that India's assistance to Sri Lanka in times of need and continuing solidarity are deeply cherished.
PM Modi and President Dissanayake also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project.
"The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help in Sri Lanka's energy security. All the people of Sri Lanka will benefit from the agreements signed for building a multi-product pipeline and developing Trincomalee as an energy hub," PM Modi said.
The grid inter-connectivity agreement between the two countries will open up options for Sri Lanka to export electricity, he said.
PM Modi said Sri Lanka has a "special place" in India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision 'MAHASAGAR'.
"In the last four months, since President Dissanayake's visit to India, our cooperation has progressed significantly," he said.
In an interview with PTI, Indian High Commissioner to Colombo Santosh Jha said on Friday that New Delhi's assistance to the island nation was "unprecedented" in terms of India's assistance to any country in the world.
"It was a huge bit of assistance and we are continuing to work with Sri Lanka in providing it assistance in various areas and that is much appreciated here," Jha said.
In Colombo, Modi and Dissanayake will also dedicate several projects that are being built in that country with India's assistance.