Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday said that Sri Lanka is not going to bow down in face of terrorism and the spirit of the island nation cannot be defeated by acts of terrorism.
“I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” the PM tweeted as he arrived in Sri Lanka, Times of India reported.
PM Modi is the first foreign head of a government to visit Sri Lanka after the April 21 terrorist attacks.
The PM’s visit is also symbolic of the solidarity of people of India with the people of Sri Lanka during difficult times.
With his visit, the Prime Minister will be hoping to send a strong message to the international community regarding the normalcy regained in the current security situation in Sri Lanka. This could have a substantial positive impact on the foreign tourist inflows into Sri Lanka, and on the Sri Lankan economy at large.
Terrorism is likely to be on the focal agendas of the PM’s visit to Lanka. The Indian government has already offered assistance to the Lankan government in its fight against terrorism.
India and Sri Lanka have a long history of mutual cooperation. Both countries have helped each other in their times of need. India has always been a First Responder to Sri Lanka’s needs and priorities. Whether it be the flood or drought, India has been the first to respond with men and material. India has also completed several people-oriented development projects all across the island, as pure gifts from people of India. With his visit, the PM will like to further deepen these ties.
In March 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Prime Minister of India to visit Lanka in the last 28 years. Two years later, he once again visited the island as Chief Guest at the International Vesak Day celebrations.
The visit of PM Modi is also a demonstration of the priority India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’, & ‘SAGAR Doctrine’ [Security and Growth for All in the Region]. During this visit, the objective will be to convey to the people of Sri Lanka that they are not alone, and India stands with them shoulder to shoulder, in these hours of need.
