Anuradhapura: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Sri Lankan Air Force upon his arrival in the historic city of Anuradhapura. He was joined by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to inaugurate significant infrastructure projects funded by India.

The leaders will officially launch the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line, along with a new signaling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway segment.

These initiatives, developed with Indian support, further enhance the strong infrastructure collaboration between the two countries.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome from President Dissanayake. The Prime Minister shared a moment from his visit on social media, stating, 'In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.'

Additionally, both leaders plan to visit the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which holds great spiritual and cultural significance for both India and Sri Lanka. This temple is home to a Bodhi tree believed to have originated from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the significance of this visit, noting, 'On April 6, President Dissanayake and the Prime Minister will travel together to Anuradhapura. They will pay their respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which is vital to the India-Sri Lanka Civilizational Partnership. The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted in this temple.'

'During the Anuradhapura visit, the two leaders will inaugurate two India-assisted projects. The Prime Minister will return home later on April 6,' he added.

Ahead of the inauguration ceremony at Anuradhapura Railway Station, many local residents gathered to greet the Indian Prime Minister.

One local expressed their happiness, saying, 'I am very happy. We all are really happy. We are proud that the Indian Prime Minister is here. We hope our city grows like this.'

Another resident thanked PM Modi, stating, 'We appreciate PM Modi for coming here for the inauguration. This railway was very important for us.'

The upgraded railway projects were carried out by IRCON International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

IRCON CMD Hari Mohan Gupta remarked, 'Today is a very fortunate day as our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the President of Sri Lanka are dedicating an upgraded railway project spanning 128 kilometers to the nation.'

On Saturday, PM Modi and President Dissanayake engaged in extensive discussions aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations.

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in the country, highlighting the enduring friendship and deep-rooted historical connections between India and Sri Lanka.

The day also featured the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, with both leaders unveiling key initiatives supported by India.