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PM Modi's Sri Lanka visit

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:

08:10 (IST) May 12

Narendra Modi met Ranil Wickremesinghe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe and discussed various issues that concern with the growing cooperation between the two countries. However, no MoUs were signed at the meeting. Prime Minister Modi also met President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena.

08:07 (IST) May 12

PM Modi lands in Sri Lanka, China gets a sub snub

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22:20 (IST) May 11

Delighted to meet President @MaithripalaS in Colombo. pic.twitter.com/Ubh7tYIXUk
& Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2017

20:55 (IST) May 11

???? ???? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ???? ????????? ????? ???. ?? ??????? ?? ??????? ????? ???? ?????. pic.twitter.com/ORMjg21NE9
& Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2017

19:49 (IST) May 11

PM Modi entered the holy sanctum of the temple and lit lamps - a traditional practice - on the eve of the International Vesak Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists.

19:49 (IST) May 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited one of Sri Lanka's oldest Buddhist Seema Malaka temple after arriving in Colombo and took part in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.

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19:46 (IST) May 11

Reached Colombo. I am happy to be in Sri Lanka, where I will join the International Vesak Day Celebrations. pic.twitter.com/DuVRPNQjxk
& Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2017

19:22 (IST) May 11

As Sri Lanka proudly celebrates #InternationalVesakDay, I warmly welcome Indian Premier @narendramodi who will grace the occasion.
& Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) May 11, 2017

19:22 (IST) May 11

PM Modi was received at the airport by his Sri Lankan counterpart and other dignitaries.

12:03 (IST) May 11

Am eager to interact with the people of Sri Lanka

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Thanks. I am eager to interact with the wonderful people of Sri Lanka. <a href="https://t.co/8kgXwqXCtP">https://t.co/8kgXwqXCtP</a> — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/862550031424831488">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>

12:00 (IST) May 11

Old and strong bond with Sri Lanka

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Yes, we have a very old and strong bond with Sri Lanka. <a href="https://t.co/GDB3CEA80l">https://t.co/GDB3CEA80l</a> — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/862549958217449472">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>

09:22 (IST) May 11

PM Modi to visit Lanka today, says it reflects strong relationship

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08:57 (IST) May 11

I will be in Sri Lanka

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Will be in Sri Lanka for a two day visit during which I will join Vesak Day celebrations & other programmes. <a href="https://t.co/MHGfTxALih">https://t.co/MHGfTxALih</a> — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/862483228011122688">May 11, 2017</a></blockquote>

08:48 (IST) May 11

Modi to meet Indian-origin tea workers during Sri Lanka visit

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08:47 (IST) May 11

Nearly 6,000 police officers will be deployed by the host country as part of special security for Modi, according to the Sri Lankan media reports.

08:45 (IST) May 11

Blog: PM Modi’s Sri Lanka diplomacy is a vital test case for his neighbourhood first policy

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08:41 (IST) May 11

Prime Minister will also visit the famous Buddhist temple Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

08:41 (IST) May 11

Vesak, the most important day in the Buddhist calendar, marks the commemoration of Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away. Modi is also likely to take part in lamp- lighting ceremony at the Ganga Ramaya temple as part of 'Vesak Day' celebrations.

08:40 (IST) May 11

In the upcountry region, PM Modi will dedicate a hospital built with financial assistance of Rs 150 crore by India.

08:39 (IST) May 11

The 'International Day of Vesak' celebrations, to be held in Colombo from May 12 to 14, will include an International Buddhist Conference in which over 400 delegates from more than 100 countries will participate.

08:39 (IST) May 11

India is working closely with the Sri Lankan government over Tamil issue and we are hopeful that Colombo will fulfil the commitments made regarding devolution of power within next two years

Sanjay Panda

08:38 (IST) May 11

No structured talks have been scheduled, PM will be interacting with the Lankan leaders and review the relationship in its entirety. Nothing is specifically earmarked for discussion during the current visit: Sanjay Panda, joint secretary (Indian Ocean Region) in external affairs ministry

08:38 (IST) May 11

Modi's visit to Sri Lanka comes close on the heels of a trip by his counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe. During that visit, the two countries had signed a pact to boost economic ties as Modi and Wickremesinghe discussed a range of bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest. The pact provided a framework to identify the infrastructure projects where India could invest.

08:37 (IST) May 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Sri Lanka today on a two-day visit to 'further deepen ties with the island nation' where China has been trying to expand its influence. This will be PM Modi's second visit to Sri Lanka since becoming the Prime Minister. He had travelled to Sri Lanka in March, 2015.