PM Modi, Sri Lankan President Launch India-Backed Railway Projects, Flag Off Train in Anuradhapura
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday jointly inaugurated the upgraded signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line and flagged off a train at Anuradhapura Railway Station, marking a key milestone in India-Sri Lanka infrastructure cooperation.
The railway project, which also includes the launch of the upgraded Maho-Omanthai track, is supported by the Government of India as part of its ongoing assistance to enhance connectivity and transportation infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
“In Anuradhapura, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I inaugurated the upgraded section of the existing Mahawa-Omanthe railway line. The project to establish an improved signalling and telecommunications system for the Mahawa-Anuradhapura section was also launched. India is proud to support Lanka in various aspects of its journey towards development,” PM Modi wrote in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
PM Modi is currently on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and expanding development partnerships. Earlier in the day, he arrived in Anuradhapura and received a warm welcome from the Sri Lankan President.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also paid homage at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a deeply revered Buddhist site. Accompanied by President Dissanayake, PM Modi offered prayers and highlighted the shared spiritual heritage between the two nations.
“Along with President Dissanayake, I paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. This sacred place stands as a living symbol of peace, wisdom, and spiritual continuity,” Modi said. “I pray that the teachings of the Buddha will always guide us on the right path.”
In a significant gesture of goodwill, the Sri Lankan government released 14 Indian fishermen who had been detained earlier, marking a positive diplomatic move during the high-profile visit.
On Saturday morning, PM Modi also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, near Colombo. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to help bring peace to the island nation during its civil conflict.
“I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force who laid down their lives in service of peace and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka,” the Prime Minister stated.
PM Modi also met members of the Indian-Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Colombo. He acknowledged their contribution to the socio-cultural fabric of Sri Lanka and described the community as a “living bridge” between the two nations for over two centuries.
This visit is seen as a continuation of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and reflects deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo, especially in infrastructure, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity.
