PM Modi Concludes Two-Day Sri Lanka Visit , Hands Over 27,000 Houses To Displaced family In Jaffna

14 March, Colombo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ,w ho concluded his two-day Sri Lanka visit on Saturday handed 27000 houses at Jaffna built with Indian assistance to the people of the civil war ravaged Tamil heartland in northern Sri Lanka.

On the occasion Modi said that these are not bricks and mortar houses but a sincere and humble effort of India to bring joy to the displaced people of Jaffna. He said that peace, unity and amity are necessary for development and progress.

He reiterated India`s commitment for cooperation for rapid development of Sri Lanka. He said India is committed to setting up a world class cultural centre in Jaffna city.

Referring to the rail link that he inaugurated at Thalaimannar earlier in the day Modi said that it is matter of pride for any Indian to be part of this project. He said that this rail link will bring the two nations closer.

He said that the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Jaffna will be considered as historic event by the world. He referred to his visit to three cities of Anuradhapur, Jaffna and Talaimanar saying that it was like a visit to Triveni Sangam the confluence of three sacred rivers.

In Anuradhapura Modi offered prayers at the sacred Bodhi tree. President Maitripala Sirisena accompanied him during the prayer ceremony. The priest at the shrine tied the sacred thread on the hands of Prime Minister Modi. Modi also briefly met some of the devotees at the shrine.

The sacred Bodhi tree was planted in Anuradhapura over two thousand years ago. It is a sapling of the original Bodhi tree, under which Lord Gautam Buddha meditated and achieved enlightenment. The shrine is one of the most sacred places in Buddhism.

This is for the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Anuradhapura. It is also the first time that Sri Lankan President is accompanying a foreign dignitary during such prayers.