Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka on 11th and 12th May 2017. During this visit, he participated in the International Vesak Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists and attended several other programmes.
PM Modi addresses Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest for the 14th International Vesak Day celebration in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Following are the highlights of PM Modi’s address on Vesak Day Celebrations in Colombo:
- PM Modi referred to mindsets rooted in hate and violence asbiggest challenge to sustainable world peace and added that the spread of terrorism in Asian region is a
physical manifestation of this destructive emotion. - He acknowledged that Buddha’s teachings are relevant even in 21st Century and has been inculcated in our governance, culture and philosophy.
- PM Modi expressed hope that India and Sri Lanka will work together to uphold ideals of peace taught by Buddha and strive forregional and global peace.
- He also announced a direct flight between Colombo and Varanasi by Air India which will be operational by August 2017.
physical manifestation of this destructive emotion.UN Vesak Day celebration from May 12-14
14th edition of United Nations Vesak Day celebration was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 12th – 14th May 2017. Sri Lanka hosted this celebration for the first time. Large number of local and foreign delegates participated in this celebration.
- The theme of this year’s celebration was “Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace”.
- The celebration included an academic conference, a cultural show and creation of special Vesak zone at different places in Sri Lanka from 12th to 14th May 2017.
Narendra Modi inaugurates multi-specialty hospital in Sri Lanka
On May 12, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya in Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka.
- This 150-bed capacity hospital is located in an area which is home to a large Indian-origin Tamil community.
- The construction cost of this hospital has been drawn from $2.6 billion developmental aid committed by India to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka :
- Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
- Prime minister: Ranil Wickremesinghe
