Narendra Modi announces direct Colombo-Varanasi flight
Colombo, May 12 (IBNS) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a direct flight between Colombo and Varanasi, his constituency.
“From August 2017, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi. This will ease travel of brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Vishwanath,” Modi tweeted. .
The PM, who is on a two-day visit to the island nation said Sri Lanka takes pride in being among the most important nerve centres of Buddhist teachings and learning, and the Vesak Day celebrations “is an occasion for us to celebrate the unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism”.
Taking part in the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations Modi said, “Our relationship is spread across many layers”.
India will continue to be a “friend” of Sri Lanka and will help in its nation building, he said.
Modi highlighted the historic links between India and Sri Lanka and reiterated India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka’s overall progress.
“I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka. You will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours.”
Talking on strengthening ties in trade and economy, the PM said, “In trade and investment, we are already significant partners. We believe that trade across borders will be to our mutual benefit. India’s rapid growth will bring dividend to the entire region, especially Sri Lanka."
The two countries will cooperate in transport, energy, agriculture, education, health, power, culture, water, shelter, sports and human resources, he said.
Modi met Prime Sri Lankan Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena, who, he said, “reinforced our interest in common goals”.
Top Headlines
-
News
Pakistan desperate to make 'shehzada' the PM of India: Modi's veiled jibe at Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat poll rally
May 02, 2024
-
News
Key accused in Salman Khan house firing incident dies after attempting suicide
May 01, 2024
-
News
Columbia University protesters are now demanding free food and water from authorities, demonstration erupts in UCLA
May 01, 2024
-
News
'Life, liberty exceedingly important': Supreme Court questions ED on Kejriwal's arrest before elections
April 30, 2024
-
News
Man with sword kills 13-year-old in London, injures four others
April 30, 2024
-
News
Supreme Court to deliver verdict on pleas seeking complete count of VVPAT slips
April 24, 2024
-
News
WMO report shows Asia hit hardest by climate change and extreme weather
April 24, 2024
-
News
Delhi liquor policy case: Arvind Kejriwal administered insulin as blood sugar level increased
April 23, 2024
-
News
Stock market opens in green with Nifty above 22,400, Sensex near 73,900
April 23, 2024
-
News
Vattikuti Foundation announces KS International Innovation Awards for Robotic Surgery
April 22, 2024