President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka will expand opportunities for greater cooperation and closeness between the people of the two countries across many areas of mutual interest.
Stating that Sri Lanka is known for its hospitality and extends a warm welcome to all visitors, President Dissanayake expressed hope that citizens of India will visit Sri Lanka continually, where they will meet a warm-hearted community.
“We are known for our hospitality and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. In particular, I recall that our friends from across the Palk Strait are received with the utmost warmth and affection. We hope to see the citizens of your nation visiting this wonderful island continually, where they will meet a warm-hearted community. We consistently say to our friends, We eagerly anticipate your return, ready to welcome you back with open arms,” the President said.
Wishing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi good health, the President also conveyed his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of Indian citizens, as well as for the strengthening of cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made the remarks at a special State Banquet hosted last evening (05 Apr) at the President’s House in Colombo in honour of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian Prime Minister is currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Upon his arrival at the President’s House last evening, PM Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by President Dissanayake.
The distinguished gathering at the Banquet included Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Cabinet Ministers including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka along with senior diplomats and other dignitaries. (Newswire)