Indian PM Narendra Modi to arrive in Sri Lanka after touring Maldives

Colombo (News 1st): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (June 9) in the morning. This visit to Sri Lanka will be his second international visit, since becoming Prime Minister of India for the second term. The Presidential Secretariat has organized a special event to welcome the Indian Prime Minister, who will arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayaka. The Indian Prime Minister is due to hold discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Tamil National Alliance said that its leader R. Sampanthan is also expecting to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to leave the island tomorrow evening.

Traffic plan for PM Modi’s visit tomorrow

A special traffic plan will be in operation in view of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka tomorrow (June 9). Police spokesperson, SP Ruwan Gunasekera said vehicular movement will be limited from 11 am to 12 am, along the Katunayake Airport, Katunayake Colombo Expressway, Borella, Nelum Pokuna junction, along the Galle road and Janadhipathi Mawatha and vice-versa from 1.45 pm to 3.30 pm. Police spokesperson requested the passengers travelling to the airport to use alternate routes and travel early as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

Foreign Media reports on Modi's arrival

Meanwhile, Indian media reported that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, the security of both countries will be the centre of discussions. The Indian Prime Minister's visit is considered as a sign of India’s affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the terror attacks in April, while discussions are likely to include the exploration of further collaboration in counter-terror actions. Further, according to foreign media, India’s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said the visit will enhance its commitment to Sri Lanka. Reuters quoting the foreign secretary reports that New Delhi is also looking at more multi-lateral investment projects, modelled on a draft agreement to develop a port terminal with Japan in Colombo that was signed last month. Reuters adds that according to India's Foreign Secretary, when a major foreign investor like Japan is willing to join projects which are of their national interest, India has no objections in going forward with such projects. Meanwhile, India's Hindustan Times reported that the minister-in-attendance who will accompany Prime Minister Modi throughout his Sri Lankan tour will be Minister Sajith Premadasa.

Modi's visit to the Maldives

Prior to his visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister visited the Maldives today (June 8). He will arrive in Sri Lanka from the Maldives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief stop in Kerala today, prior to his visit to the Maldives and offered prayers at the Guruvayur temple this morning. He also performed the 'Thulabharam' ceremony in which he offered lotuses for his prayers. He was weighed on scales with lotuses and the flowers were later offered for prayers at the Sri Krishna temple. Following religious observances, the Prime Minister left to the Maldives, his first foreign visit after re-election, upholding the Neighborhood First policy, aiming at further cementing ties with key maritime neighbours. During his visit to the Maldives, PM Modi addressed the Maldivian Parliament. He also met with Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih and is expected to sign several budgetary support agreements by India for development projects in the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi will also be honoured with the Order of Nishanizzuddeen, a prestigious award given by the Government of Maldives.

Imran Khan's letter to Modi

Meanwhile, addressing a letter to Narendra Modi, congratulating him on his second term as the Prime Minister of India, Imran Khan said talks between the two nations were the only solution to help both countries' people overcome poverty. As per foreign media reports, Pakistan's Prime Minister letter states that Islamabad wants talks with New Delhi to resolve all problems relating to reconciliation, including the Kashmir issue. However, foreign media added that there has been no response as yet from the Indian Government.