India will walk side by side with Sri Lanka: PM Modi

Monday, 20 June 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New Delhi: India will walk side by side with Sri Lanka as it charts its own path to progress and prosperity for all of its citizens, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday.

Speaking after jointly inaugurating the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena through digital video conferencing, the Prime Minister said India’s desire is to see an economically prosperous Sri Lanka.

“India’s desire is to see an economically prosperous Sri Lanka. A Sri Lanka where, unity and integrity, peace, harmony and security,-equal opportunity and dignity, prevails throughout the country among all its people.”

Recalling that he was in Jaffna in March last year, the PM Modi said the warmth and affection that he received from the people of Jaffna is still fresh in his mind.

He said the Duraiappah Stadium renovated with the funding from India at a cost of Rs. 145 million is not “just brick and mortar.”

“It is a symbol of optimism and economic development. An arena for a prosperous and healthy future for Jaffna’s youth. It demonstrates your determination to shed the legacy of violence and pursue the path of economic progress.”

The Prime Minister also saluted the President Sirisena for his visionary leadership and of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Governor and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province in ensuring the success of the project.

He said the India-Sri Lanka relations are not limited to the confines of the two governments. “They reside in the rich contacts of our history, culture, language, art, and geography.”

“India strongly believes that its economic growth must drive and bring benefit to its neighbors. Duraiappah Stadium embodies the spirit of our cooperation. Indeed, India’s support for Sri Lanka’s development is a promise of our friendship,” he said.

“Duraiappah Stadium will stand as yet another symbol of our lasting friendship. India will walk side by side with Sri Lanka as it charts its own path to progress and prosperity for all of its citizens,” Prime Minister Modi said conveying greetings to the people of Sri Lanka from 1.25 billion people of India.