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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 12, 2017, 19:02:07 IST
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PM Modi's Sri Lanka visit
PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day trip to Sri Lanka, where he will join the 'Vesak Day' celebrations as the chief guest. Stay with TOI for all updates:
19:02 (IST) May 12
I thank President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the government and (the) warm-hearted citizens of Sri Lanka for their hospitality: PM Modi
19:01 (IST) May 12
"Thank you Sri Lanka! This was a memorable visit, in which I got to take part in various programmes including Vesak Day celebrations," Modi tweeted before emplaning for New Delhi.
19:01 (IST) May 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for home after wrapping up his two-day Sri Lanka visit during which he took part in the the International Vesak Day celebrations and addressed Indian-origin Tamils.
14:52 (IST) May 12
Sri Lanka: PM Narendra Modi met representatives of the Tamil Progressive Alliance in Dickoya.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Sri Lanka: PM Narendra Modi met representatives of the Tamil Progressive Alliance in Dickoya. <a href="https://t.co/8VYZJHYvbm">pic.twitter.com/8VYZJHYvbm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862952364172468226">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
14:51 (IST) May 12
Under Indian housing project in Sri Lanka, 4,000 houses being constructed in up country areas, happy to announce an additional 10,000 houses: PM Modi
14:50 (IST) May 12
Have decided to extend 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service, currently operating in western & southern provinces, to all other provinces: PM Modi
14:50 (IST) May 12
You kept your bonds with India alive,assure you that India will support Sri Lanka's efforts towards your socio-economic development: PM Modi
13:43 (IST) May 12
In more recent times, you have gifted to the world one of the finest spinners in cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan: PM Modi
13:43 (IST) May 12
Another national icon of India from later years, Puratchi Thalaivar MGR was born on this very soil, establishing a life-long connection: PM Modi
13:38 (IST) May 12
I have special association with tea: PM Narendra Modi
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You and I have something in common, as some you may have heard, I have special association with tea: PM Narendra Modi in Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/orhPIp2iFA">pic.twitter.com/orhPIp2iFA</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862941341952520193">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
13:37 (IST) May 12
We need to strengthen, not separate, (these) threads of unity and harmony: PM Modi
13:34 (IST) May 12
You speak one of the oldest-surviving classical languages in the world. It is a matter of pride that many of you also speak Sinhala.
PM Narendra Modi
13:33 (IST) May 12
If Sri Lanka today is third largest exporter of tea, it's because of your handwork: PM addressing Indian origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka
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If Sri Lanka today is third largest exporter of tea, it's because of your handwork: PM addressing Indian origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/SgeqzFqkim">pic.twitter.com/SgeqzFqkim</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862940673850220544">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
13:30 (IST) May 12
We remember your forefathers. Men & women of strong will & courage, who undertook the journey of their life from India to then Ceylon.
PM Modi
13:29 (IST) May 12
People the world over are familiar with famous Ceylon Tea that originates in this fertile land.
PM Narendra Modi
13:29 (IST) May 12
It is a great pleasure to be here today. And, I am most grateful for your warm and enthusiastic welcome: PM
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It is a great pleasure to be here today. And, I am most grateful for your warm and enthusiastic welcome: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/IteqSrO4fP">pic.twitter.com/IteqSrO4fP</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862938964818239488">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
13:28 (IST) May 12
PM is addressing Indian-origin Tamil community
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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Happening now- PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> is addressing the Indian Origin Tamil Community. <a href="https://t.co/vbG9VFN31Q">https://t.co/vbG9VFN31Q</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862938518493908993">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
13:19 (IST) May 12
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Dickoya Hospital
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> inaugurated the Dickoya Hospital during his Sri Lanka visit. <a href="https://t.co/eV7eTqbuGR">pic.twitter.com/eV7eTqbuGR</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862936087638884353">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
13:17 (IST) May 12
PM Modi to address Indian-origin Tamil community shortly.
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Sri Lanka: PM Modi to address Indian origin Tamil community shortly, at Norwood Grounds in Dickoya, Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/OtLhaCIcpj">pic.twitter.com/OtLhaCIcpj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862935195145478144">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:21 (IST) May 12
PM Modi speaks in Sri Lanka
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi attends International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka <a href="https://t.co/xNHxLwwBsl">https://t.co/xNHxLwwBsl</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862885139315007488">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:20 (IST) May 12
On Vesak, let us light the lamps of knowledge to move out of darkness; let us look more within & let us uphold nothing else but the truth: PM Modi
11:19 (IST) May 12
Sadly these ideologies of hate & their proponents in our region are not open to dialogue & hence only open to causing death, destruction: PM Modi
11:19 (IST) May 12
Menace of terrorism in our region is a clear manifestation of this destructive emotion: PM Modi in Sri Lanka
11:16 (IST) May 12
It is from the mindsets, thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence: PM Narendra Modi
11:16 (IST) May 12
The biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today is not necessarily from conflict between the nation states: PM Narendra Modi
11:15 (IST) May 12
The themes of Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace, chosen for the Vesak day, resonate deeply with Buddha's teachings: PM Modi
11:14 (IST) May 12
Lord Buddha’s message is as relevant in the twenty first century as it was two and a half millennia ago: PM
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Lord Buddha’s message is as relevant in the twenty first century as it was two and a half millennia ago: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g2E1ANbVLj">pic.twitter.com/g2E1ANbVLj</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862905885894430720">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:13 (IST) May 12
You will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours: PM Modi to the people of Sri Lanka
11:11 (IST) May 12
Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy: PM
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/enc6OtVz5b">pic.twitter.com/enc6OtVz5b</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862903474735927296">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:10 (IST) May 12
I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka, says PM Modi
11:09 (IST) May 12
My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath: Narendra Modi
11:09 (IST) May 12
I have the great pleasure to announce that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi: PM Modi
11:06 (IST) May 12
Our region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings: PM Modi
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Our region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/px7yj2INLC">pic.twitter.com/px7yj2INLC</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862903244716036097">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:05 (IST) May 12
I also bring with me the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of the Samyaksambuddha: PM Modi
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
I also bring with me the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of the Samyaksambuddha, the perfectly self awakened one: PM <a href="https://t.co/6o99XAOXs8">pic.twitter.com/6o99XAOXs8</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862902980864954369">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:03 (IST) May 12
Grateful to the President, PM & people of Sri Lanka
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Grateful to President <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS">@MaithripalaS</a>, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP">@RW_UNP</a> & people of Sri Lanka for extending to me the honour to be Chief Guest at Vesak Day: PM <a href="https://t.co/aoAu1wmYpn">pic.twitter.com/aoAu1wmYpn</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862902901395439616">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
11:01 (IST) May 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his speech at the Vesak Day celebrations.
10:56 (IST) May 12
Welcome PM Modi!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Welcome PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/qlc1dQWTIY">pic.twitter.com/qlc1dQWTIY</a></p>
— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajithpremadasa/status/862849924232208384">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
10:45 (IST) May 12
Proud to host Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo. I want to thank PM Modi for being the Chief Guest during the celebrations.
PM Ranil Wickremesinghe
10:43 (IST) May 12
Teachings of Buddhism are relevant in today's world. Buddhism shows a moderate path and need to consolidate social justice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
10:35 (IST) May 12
PM at Vesak Day celebrations
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash">#SriLanka</a>: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> and President <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS">@MaithripalaS</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalVesakDay?src=hash">#InternationalVesakDay</a> celebrations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colombo?src=hash">#colombo</a> <a href="https://t.co/HLFtWkGa5p">pic.twitter.com/HLFtWkGa5p</a></p>
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewsLive/status/862894865905991680">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10:31 (IST) May 12
'Modi's presence speaks of deep reverence for Buddhism'
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS">@MaithripalaS</a> Minister for Justice N Buddhashasana says PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> one of their own for ????, his presence today spks of deep reverence for Buddhism</p>
— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/862889593175015424">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
10:11 (IST) May 12
PM Modi, Prez Maithripala Sirisena and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Vesak Day celebrations.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a>, President <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS">@MaithripalaS</a> and Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP">@RW_UNP</a> at the International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo. <a href="https://t.co/kniU0YR1nO">pic.twitter.com/kniU0YR1nO</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/862888999005724673">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
09:48 (IST) May 12
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">
PM Narendra Modi attends International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. <a href="https://t.co/94CWHzdhT4">pic.twitter.com/94CWHzdhT4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862884145420054528">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
08:21 (IST) May 12
PM Modi's Lanka visit must ensure Tamils are treated at par: DMK
08:21 (IST) May 12
Vesak Day celebrations today
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
PM Modi's Lanka visit: International Vesak Day celebrations on second day's agenda<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news">@ANI_news</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/QQGJpUIYhq">https://t.co/QQGJpUIYhq</a> <a href="https://t.co/T76cLmq9XQ">pic.twitter.com/T76cLmq9XQ</a></p>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/862838591126355968">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
08:21 (IST) May 12
PM Modi will also address Indian origin Tamil community. He will later make a visit to Sri Lanka's Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple.
08:21 (IST) May 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka; to also address a gathering.
08:20 (IST) May 12
PM Modi meets former Lankan president Rajapaksa
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">
PM Modi meets former Lankan president Rajapaksa<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news">@ANI_news</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/QZhW8Keo4V">https://t.co/QZhW8Keo4V</a> <a href="https://t.co/OE47okmY7I">pic.twitter.com/OE47okmY7I</a></p>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/862774696139300864">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
08:20 (IST) May 12
It is wonderful to meet this great human being
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
It is wonderful to meet this great human being <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> in Colombo again. Thank you for gracing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalVesakDay?src=hash">#InternationalVesakDay</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xjt6Zd9Agh">pic.twitter.com/xjt6Zd9Agh</a></p>
— Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaithripalaS/status/862697599115165696">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
08:13 (IST) May 12
No agreements to be signed
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
No agreements or MoUs were to be signed but PM Modi did hold discussions with the Srilankan Govt: Sanjay Panda,MEA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colombo?src=hash">#colombo</a> <a href="https://t.co/A0iuX2VT72">pic.twitter.com/A0iuX2VT72</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862730570349944832">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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