Anuradhapura, Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,

visited the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura to seek blessings. The chief priest of the temple tied a 'Raksha Sutra' (protective thread) on Prime Minister Modi's hand as he sought

blessings at the temple. This temple holds immense spiritual and civilisational significance for India and Sri Lanka. The temple is home to a

Bodhi tree believed to have been grown from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of

Emperor Ashoka. Highlighting the importance of the visit on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "On April 6, President

Dissanayake and the Prime Minister will travel together to the historic city of Anuradhapura. They will pay their

respects at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, which holds a special significance in the India-Sri Lanka Civilisational

Partnership. The sapling brought by Theri Sanghamitta from India was planted in the precincts of this temple." PM Modi arrived in the historic city of Anuradhapura earlier in the day, where he received a Guard of Honour from the

Sri Lankan Air Force. Upon his arrival in the historic city, PM Modi was warmly received by President Dissanayake. Sharing a moment from

the visit on X, the Prime Minister posted, "In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake." The two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the upgraded railway track of the Maho-Omanthai line and the newly

constructed signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway segment. Both projects have been developed with Indian assistance, further deepening the robust infrastructure partnership

between the two nations. The upgraded railway projects have been executed by IRCON International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking

under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. On Saturday, PM Modi and President Dissanayake held comprehensive discussions aimed at further strengthening

bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi was also conferred the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan, one of the country's highest

civilian honours, underscoring the enduring friendship and deep-rooted historical ties between India and Sri Lanka. The day also saw the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across multiple

sectors, with both leaders jointly unveiling key India-supported initiatives. (IANS)