On his visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited a church – one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday attacks – soon after his arrival in Colombo and paid tributes to the victims of the terror strikes.
He also expressed India’s affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of the attacks.
“Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured,” Modi tweeted.
Started the Sri Lanka visit by paying my respect at one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday Attack, St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade.
My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured. pic.twitter.com/RTdmNGcDyg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2019
PM Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks.
“I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” said Modi.
I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again.
Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka.
India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/n8PA8pQnoJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2019
His visit is considered as a sign of India’s affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of the deadly Easter terror attacks.
“First stop – St. Anthony’s church. PM @narendramodi visits St Anthony’s Church in #Colombo as a mark of respect for those killed in the Easter terrorist attacks. India is with Sri Lanka on the fight against terrorism,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
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Later, Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at the President’s house. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was also present. Sirisena was seen holding an umbrella and providing cover to himself and Prime Minister Modi from rain.
During his day-long visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa. A delegation of the main Tamil party – The Tamil National Alliance – is also expected to meet Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, which is his first foreign visit after being re-elected as prime minister.
(With agency inputs)