Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received a warm welcome upon her arrival at Colombo airport for a three-day official visit. During her visit, she engaged in crucial meetings with religious leaders and government officials, reinforcing the enduring historical and cultural bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
Finance Minister Sitharaman met with Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana, Chief Prelate of Asgiriya in Kandy. They discussed the close relationship between the two nations and the support extended by India during Sri Lanka’s economic challenges. This exemplified the strong and cordial ties between the two countries.
Minister Sitharaman also shared her commitment to furthering friendly relations by witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Solar Electrification of Religious Places in Sri Lanka. This project, valued at ₹82.40 crore, is part of India’s grant assistance totaling ₹107.47 crore dedicated to promoting Buddhist ties.
Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana expressed gratitude for the Solar Project and highlighted its significance in addressing Sri Lanka’s energy needs, considering it a timely and supportive initiative.
In another meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, the Chief Prelate of Malwatte. They discussed the people-to-people connection, with references to the visits of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero acknowledged the deep cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations and expressed gratitude for India’s economic assistance during times of crisis, emphasizing India’s role as Sri Lanka’s trusted friend.
Finance Minister Sitharaman’s visit serves to strengthen the bonds between India and Sri Lanka, both culturally and economically, reflecting the countries’ commitment to mutual prosperity and cooperation.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was warmly welcomed upon her arrival at Colombo airport.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid a visit to the Chief Prelate of Asgiriya, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana, in Kandy.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had a meeting with the Chief Prelate of Malwatte, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero in Kandy.
During her three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid a visit to the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
Why is India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Visit is important to Sri Lanka ?
