PM Modi, Sri Lankan President jointly inaugurate India-Backed newly upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line

The culmination of the visit came in the historic city of Anuradhapura, where Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake jointly inaugurated the India-backed newly-upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line.

In addition, the leaders launched a new signaling and telecommunications system project along the Maho-Anuradhapura section, developed through a $14.9 million Indian grant, promising safer and more efficient railway operations.

The two leaders offered prayers at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, a revered site for Buddhists across Asia, a reminder of the deep spiritual and civilisational ties that bind the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with President Dissanayake after which both leaders made high-impact announcements across sectors- energy, housing, digital infrastructure, and cultural cooperation.

The visit underscored New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka’s stability and development.

 In a gesture of profound goodwill, President Dissanayake conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of the island nation’s highest civilian honours.

The award, rarely bestowed, symbolised Sri Lanka’s appreciation for India’s timely and generous support during the 2022 economic crisis, when India extended $4.5 billion in assistance.

 Among the key outcomes of the visit was the virtual groundbreaking for the Sampur Power Project-a joint initiative of NTPC and the Ceylon Electricity Board aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s energy grid.

 India’s developmental footprint in Sri Lanka was further reinforced by the conversion of $100 million in loans into grants and a 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupee package for the Eastern Province.

PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s support for Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity project, and reiterated India’s advocacy for a just and dignified life for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka.

In this context, he met with Tamil leaders and paid tributes to the late R. Sampanthan and Mavai Senathirajah. Further, the PM also mentioned India’s continued support to the Indian Housing Project under which 10000 houses in the upcountry areas would be completed soon.

The PM’s visit epitomizes India’s unwavering commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy and its broader MAHASAGAR vision for maritime cooperation and regional integration.

By deepening development partnerships, enhancing connectivity, and nurturing people-to-people ties, the visit reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s central place in India’s strategic and cultural neighbourhood and underscored New Delhi’s role as a trusted and responsive partner in the Indian Ocean region.