Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Sri Lanka, offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura on Sunday, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Sangamitta Maha Theri brought a sapling from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, which grew into the revered Bodhi tree, now considered one of the oldest recorded trees in the world and a site of immense significance in Buddhism.
Calling it a ‘living symbol of peace, enlightenment, and spiritual continuity’, PM Modi expressed his deep respect for the site.
In a post on social media platform X, he described the visit as a ‘deeply humbling moment’ and invoked the teachings of Lord Buddha as a guide for humanity.
“Offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President Dissanayake. It is a living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity,” PM Modi posted.
Offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura with President Dissanayake. It’s a deeply humbling moment to be at one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. It is a living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha… pic.twitter.com/sUJ0AG7E5C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025
India’s Support For Sri Lanka’s Development
Apart from spiritual engagements, the visit also marked a significant moment in India-Sri Lanka development cooperation.
PM Modi and President Dissanayake jointly inaugurated the track upgradation of the Maho-Omanthai railway line.
This initiative is part of India’s broader assistance program aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and boosting regional connectivity.
The inauguration also included the launch of an advanced signalling and telecommunication system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section.
This modernisation effort is expected to enhance safety and efficiency across the rail network and provide a boost to economic activity in the region.
In another X post, PM Modi wrote, “Boosting connectivity and enhancing friendship! India is proud to support Sri Lanka in various aspects of their development journey.”
Boosting connectivity and enhancing friendship!
In Anuradhapura, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I jointly inaugurated the track upgradation of the existing Maho-Omanthai railway line. The signalling project which involves the installation of an advanced signalling and… pic.twitter.com/n9ITvkXe9H
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025
Diplomatic and Strategic Significance
PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sri Lanka through both cultural diplomacy and developmental partnerships.
His engagements in Anuradhapura highlight the shared civilizational heritage that forms the foundation of India-Sri Lanka relations.
The projects inaugurated during the visit are in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and regional stability.
The spiritual and infrastructural dimensions of this trip together reinforce a multi-layered partnership between the two nations.
As PM Modi continues his engagements in Sri Lanka, the visit is expected to yield further cooperation in areas including trade, tourism, and regional integration.
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