New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Sri Lanka's new President Maithripala Sirisena "will advance peace, reconciliation and development" in the island nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday.
Describing Sri Lanka as "a truly close neighbour and friend", Modi also offered India's continued support and partnership to Colombo and Sri Lankan people in "realizing their aspirations".
The prime minister made the observations when Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera called on him, an official statement said.
Samaraweera is on his first foreign trip after Sirisena took power Jan 9.
Modi admired Sirisena's vision of a "truly Sri Lankan government", inclusive of all voices, and the initial steps taken by the new government for political reconciliation and inclusiveness.
Modi also congratulated Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinghe for their impressive victory in the presidential election which, according to him, was "a vote for unity and change in Sri Lanka".
Thanking Sirisena for accepting his invitation to visit India, Modi said he "looked forward to receiving him at an early date".
Modi also accepted an invite to Sri Lanka at a convenient date.
Samaraweera, who met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj Sunday, discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Indian development partnership projects in Sri Lanka and issues related to the alleged trespassing of Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters were also discussed Sunday.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has reached a crucial juncture. For the Salman Agha-led team, t
Kalki 2898 AD directed by Nag Ashwin is one of the most awaited films of this year. Audiences in
Punjab Assembly Election 2022: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has asked people to tell their favorite cand
Modi invites students to share experiences in 'Mann ki Baat'
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday invited students, teachers and pare
'I am Malala' wins Grammy for best children's album
Los Angeles, Feb 9 (IANS) The audio version of the book "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For
NEET UG 2022: Due to severe floods in many states, how will the NEET exam be conducted?
NEET UG 2022: Many states of the country are in the grip of severe floods at this time. Hundreds
The trailer of Akshay Kumar's upcoming film Bachchan Pandey has been released recently. The trail
Monsoon rains have started once again in the country. The Meteorological Department has predicted
Important decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting held at the state secretariat on Monday und
IND vs WI 3rd ODI: India set a target of 266 runs for West Indies, Iyer and Pant hit half-centuries
India vs West Indies 3rd ODI, Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad: In the third and final match of th
