Ada Derana

Highly Factual

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit the people of Sri Lanka. While addressing a joint press statement alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi said that the grid inter-connectivity agreement between India and Sri Lanka will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity. PM Modi said, “The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.” “I am pleased that today a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System will be inaugurated for religious places in Sri Lanka. India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project,” he added. The governments of India, Sri Lanka and the UAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub. He announced a support package of approximately 2.4 billion Lankan Rupees for the social and economic development of the Eastern provinces. He further said, “Today, we also inaugurated Sri Lanka’s largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.” PM Modi said, “Tomorrow, we will inaugurate the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line, and lay the foundation stone for the signalling system on the ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ section. Work for the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port will begin soon.” Stressing that India and Sri Lanka have shared security interests, he said, “We believe that we have shared security interests. The security of both countries is interconnected and interdependent. I am grateful to President Disanayaka for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean.” He also announced that India would send the holy relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat’s Aravali region to Sri Lanka for an exposition. He announced that India will provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya. Highlighting spiritual ties between two nations, he said, “There is centuries old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of my home state - Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition. “India will assist in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex, and the Sita Eliya Temple in Nuwara Eliya,” he added. PM Narendra Modi said that he and Dissanayake discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. He stated that they also discussed the reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. He said, “We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.” “We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka appraised me of his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections,” he added. He said that Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision Mahasagar. He noted that two nations have made significant progress in our cooperation in the past four months since Dissanayake’s visit to India last year. PM Modi said, “President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations.” He noted that it is his fourth visit to Sri Lanka as Prime Minister, and his last visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time.In his remarks, he also quoted Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. “I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people, and today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty,” he said. “I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. He said: Seyar Kariya Yaavul Natt Pinn Aadu Pul Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu. Which means, in the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship,” he added. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Dissanayake held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks in Colombo. PM Modi calls his talks with Dissanayake “productive and extensive.” “Held extensive and productive talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. A few months ago, President Dissanayake chose India as the place for his first overseas visit after becoming President. Now, I have the honour of being the first foreign leader he is hosting in his Presidency. This indicates his personal commitment to India-Sri Lanka ties and the unbreakable bond that exists between our nations,” PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019. PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday. It is the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner. Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo after concluding his visit to Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with several world leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. (ANI)

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today virtually witnessed the commencement of several key Indo-Lanka joint projects. The projects launched include the Sampur Solar Power Plant, a temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla, and the supply of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka. The Sampur Solar Power Plant is a 50/50 joint venture between NTPC Limited of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) of Sri Lanka. NTPC and CEB jointly incorporated Trincomalee Power Company Limited to develop the 120-megawatt project. Phase one of the project will have a 50-megawatt capacity, built over 500 acres of land. This solar project will bring an investment of approximately USD 100 million to Trincomalee in the eastern province of Sri Lanka. The project, featuring the latest solar PV Topcon technology, will enhance energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, create jobs, and foster a cleaner environment by reducing 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027. With the groundbreaking of the Sampur Solar Power Project, both countries are now progressing on a shared pathway toward a forward-looking and green future. Meanwhile, the temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla is a 524 million Sri Lankan rupee joint initiative, built with a 300 million Sri Lankan rupee grant assistance from the Government of India. The warehouse is a first-of-its-kind facility in the country, divided into six chambers, each with independent temperature and humidity controls, and each capable of holding around 30,000 crates. The facility is fully equipped with a receiving area, sorting area, pre-cooling and post-heating chambers, and a service area complete with administrative units, stores, and a quality control lab. It will significantly minimize post-harvest losses, which currently stand at around 40%, reduce price fluctuations, and ensure the delivery of good-quality agro-produce to consumers around the country. The inauguration of the Dambulla temperature-controlled warehouse underlines India’s commitment to being a partner in Sri Lanka’s development and prosperity. Additionally, the supply of solar rooftop systems for 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka is being financed through Indian credit assistance of $17 million US dollars. The 5,000 solar rooftop systems are being supplied to institutions of major religions in Sri Lanka, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. The sites identified by the Government of Sri Lanka span across all nine provinces and 25 districts in the country. The solar rooftop systems will add 25 megawatts of solar capacity, generating over 37 million units of clean energy annually. The project will ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy for the beneficiary institutions. With this, India and Sri Lanka will be partners in the clean energy transition, illuminating the future together.

Ada Derana

Factual

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Sri Lanka in the areas of power, energy, health, economics, IT, digital transformation, and defense cooperation, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit. Additionally, a trilateral agreement was signed between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. In a joint statement following their delegation-level talks, Modi and President Dissanayake inked a defence cooperation pact. The two sides also signed a pact to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, besides inking an agreement to facilitate New Delhi’s multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region. Apart from putting a stamp on other agreements, the two leaders virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project. Earlier, as PM Modi arrived in Sri Lanka, he was accorded a tri-services ceremonial welcome at the country’s Independence Square in the heart of the capital city of Colombo, in perhaps the first such honour given to a foreign leader.

Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

India and Sri Lanka exchanged seven MoUs covering areas such as defence, interconnection of two power grids, the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, digitisation and cooperation in the health sector. The MoU related to the energy hub in Trincomalee is a tripartite agreement involving the United Arab Emirates.

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Factual

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held discussions with Premiers of Bhutan and Nepal, focusing on enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including economic cooperation and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Amarasuriya is currently in Bangkok, Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and also to participate in “Invest Sri Lanka” promotional events aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and attracting investment to Sri Lanka, said the Prime Minister’s Media Division. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Amarasuriya addressed the “Invest Sri Lanka” Business Forum, jointly organized with the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce. The forum served as a platform to highlight Sri Lanka’s investment opportunities and foster stronger commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand. In recognition of longstanding cultural and religious ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister also visited the historic Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, where she was welcomed by the Abbot, Most Ven. Pra Dhammavajirapanyaacarya. Prime Minister Amarasuriya also participated in an official dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra in honour of visiting BIMSTEC leaders. The high-level BIMSTEC Leaders’ Meeting is scheduled to take place today (04). This visit marks an important step forward in Sri Lanka’s regional diplomacy, reaffirming the country’s commitment to meaningful engagement within the BIMSTEC framework while promoting investment and cultural diplomacy, the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Daily Mirror

Factual

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake unveiled the plaques virtually for the ground breaking of the Sampur solar energy project, and the inauguration of the temperature controlled warehouse in Dambulla and rooftop solar panels at 5,000 religious institutions across the country.

Ada Derana

Factual

The high-level Indo-Lanka bilateral discussions, with the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake along with their respective delegations, were held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, a short while ago. Modi held a “restricted” level talks with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, shortly after being accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square - the first time Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner. The meeting marks a key moment in PM Modi’s ongoing three-day visit, which aims to strengthen bilateral ties under the shared vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.” The ceremonial welcome earlier in the day, led by President Dissanayake, reflected the significance Colombo places on the India-Sri Lanka relationship. PM Modi’s arrival on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019 and comes amid a renewed regional focus on development partnerships and cultural exchange. PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, which began yesterday after he attended the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. India and Sri Lanka are set to sign a major Defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The agreements, including a Defence pact, come as part of a broader effort to bolster economic, energy, and digital cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, India and Sri Lanka are expected to sign eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering several key sectors, including Defence, health, energy, and digitalisation. Notably, one of the MoUs will focus on supplying Sri Lanka with more affordable energy, a much-needed support amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges. In addition to the Defence pact, the visit will include high-level discussions on restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt, enhancing bilateral connectivity, and further cooperation across various domains. PM Modi’s visit is expected to significantly boost diplomatic relations between the two nations. Modi is also scheduled to meet other political leaders of the nation before travelling to Anuradhapura with Dissanayake for the inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance on Sunday. In Anuradhapura, both leaders will pay respect at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple complex in Anuradhapura. PM Modi had also visited the temple, which holds a special significance in India-Sri Lanka civilisational partnership, during his visit to the country in 2015. Prime Minister Modi then visited Sri Lanka again in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)