In a special gesture honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, the country released 11 Indian fishermen, a day after Modi expressed his concern on the issue of Indian fishermen being held by the Lankan authorities, according to PTI. As per government data, Sri Lanka arrested more than 528 Indian fishermen in 2024.
Addressing a joint press meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday, Modi had said: “We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.”
Further in this context, Dissanayake had also sought a ban on fishing by bottom trawlers. He said: “We requested the intervention of Prime Minister Modi… the need to have an intervention regarding the fishermen’s matter… recognising the irreparable ecological damage caused by bottom trawling, which is a banned practice in both countries… required measures (are) to be taken to stop this practice.”
PM Modi emplanes for Tamil Nadu
Meanwile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday emplaned for Tamil Nadu, concluding his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, where the two nations signed pacts on defence cooperation, power, health, digital technology, and discussed the issue of Indian fishermen held by the Lankan authorities, news agency PTI reported.
“A very productive State Visit to Sri Lanka concludes. PM @narendramodi emplanes for India,” the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi took to X to express his gratitude towards the Sri Lankan President and its people. He wrote: “Deeply grateful to President Dissanayake, the people and Government of Sri Lanka for the warmth extended during my visit. Be it in Colombo or Anuradhapura, this visit has reaffirmed the deep cultural, spiritual and civilisational ties between our two nations. It will surely add momentum to our bilateral relations.”
The PM left from the Anuradhapura Airport, following which he is likely to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several development works worth over Rs 8,300 crores in TN’s Rameswaram, the news agency stated.
இலங்கைக்கான எனது விஜயத்தின்போதான அன்பான அரவணைப்புக்காக ஜனாதிபதி அநுர குமார திசாநாயக்க, மக்கள் மற்றும் இலங்கை அரசாங்கத்திற்கு எனது மனமார்ந்த நன்றியினைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கின்றேன்.
கொழும்புக்கான விஜயமாக இருந்தாலும் சரி, அநுராதபுரத்துக்கான விஜயமாக இருந்தாலும் சரி இரண்டுமே நமது… pic.twitter.com/2P9liiQEN2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2025
This was the PM’s first visit to the island nation since its President Dissanayake assumed office last year, also being the first foreign leader being hosted by the new regime in Colombo.
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The PM and Sri Lankan President also offered prayers at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura on the last day of the trip, calling the site of worship as a “living symbol of peace, wisdom and spiritual growth.”
“It is truly a humbling moment to worship at one of the most sacred and revered places in Buddhism. This place is a living symbol of peace, wisdom and spiritual growth. May the teachings of Lord Buddha always guide us,” he said.
The duo also jointly inaugurated the upgraded railway line between Maho and Omanthai in the city.
Moreover, the Signalling Block Project, which involved the establishment of a modern signalling infrastructure and telecommunications system for the Maho to Anuradhapura section, was also launched, the PM posted on X. “India is proud to support Sri Lanka in various aspects of its development journey,” Modi wrote.