New Delhi/Anuradhapura, April 6 – In a significant step towards strengthening regional connectivity and bilateral cooperation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly inaugurated two key railway infrastructure projects in Anuradhapura on Sunday. The initiatives were implemented with support from the Government of India as part of its continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s development.
The leaders unveiled the upgraded railway track of the Maho–Omanthai line and inaugurated a new advanced signalling and telecommunication system for the Maho–Anuradhapura section at a special event held at the Anuradhapura Railway Station.
“Boosting connectivity and enhancing friendship! In Anuradhapura, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I jointly inaugurated the track upgradation of the existing Maho–Omanthai railway line. The signalling project, which involves the installation of an advanced signalling and telecommunication system along the Maho–Anuradhapura section, was also launched. India is proud to support Sri Lanka in various aspects of their development journey,” Prime Minister Modi stated in a post on X.
Both projects underscore India’s continued support in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in Sri Lanka’s northern regions.
The Maho–Omanthai railway line upgrade, backed by an Indian Line of Credit worth USD 91.27 million, connects the northern provinces to Colombo, thereby enhancing passenger and freight mobility and fostering economic activity. The new signalling system on the Maho–Anuradhapura stretch, funded through an Indian grant of USD 14.9 million, is expected to significantly improve operational safety and efficiency across the line.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake paid a joint visit to the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura – a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. The sacred Bodhi tree at the temple is believed to have grown from a sapling brought to Sri Lanka by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, symbolising a deep spiritual and historical connection between the two nations.
The visit also followed high-level discussions held on Saturday, during which the two leaders explored avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, culture, and regional security.
In a gesture of honour and goodwill, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana – the highest civilian honour awarded by Sri Lanka to foreign dignitaries – recognizing his contributions to strengthening Indo-Lankan ties.
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