PrimeMinister Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday morning eventuallybecoming the first foreign dignitary to visit the island nation after theEaster blasts which killed over 250 people.
PM Moditweeted, "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terrorcannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with thepeople of Sri Lanka."
He waswarmly welcomed by his Lankancounterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Bandaranaike International Airport inColombo.
Modi alsotweeted immediately after his arrival in Sri Lanka ,"Happy to be back in SriLanka , my third visit to this beautiful island in four years. Share the warmthshown by the people of SL in equal measure. India never forgets her friendswhen they are in need. Deeply touched by the ceremonial welcome."
Duringhis visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President MaithripalaSirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Tamil National Alliance is also expected to meet him.
TheIndian PM's visit is seen as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity withthe Government and the people of Sri Lanka in the wake of the terribleterrorist attacks there last Easter on 21st April 2019 that killedover 250 people.
PM Modi arrived in Colombo from Maldives wherehe held several talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih onSaturday. India and Maldives signed six agreements to strengthen connectivity between India and the Maldives ,bilateral cooperation in the key areas of defence and maritime security.
Maldives conferred the highest honour "Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen" on Narendra Modi.