PM Modi, Sri Lankan Prez Dissanayake launch key railway projects in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly inaugurated key railway infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.

The two leaders launched the upgraded signalling and telecommunications system for the Maho–Anuradhapura railway section—a project backed by the Government of India. They also inaugurated the newly upgraded railway track of the Maho–Omanthai line and flagged off a train from the Anuradhapura Railway Station.

“In Anuradhapura, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I inaugurated the upgraded section of the existing Mahawa-Omanthe railway line. The project to establish an improved signalling and telecommunications system for the Mahawa-Anuradhapura section was also launched. India is proud to support Lanka in various aspects of its journey towards development," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Anuradhapura as part of his three-day visit to Sri Lanka. The two leaders also visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.

“Along with President Dissanayake, I paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. It was a moment that reminded me of the deep honor of spending time at one of the most revered sites for Buddhists. This sacred place stands as a living symbol of peace, wisdom, and spiritual continuity. I pray that the teachings of the Buddha will always guide us on the right path," PM Modi posted on X.

Meanwhile, as a special gesture to mark PM Modi’s visit, the Sri Lankan government released 14 Indian fishermen who had previously been detained.

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte near Colombo, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka.

In addition, PM Modi met with representatives of the Indian-Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Colombo. He acknowledged their historic contributions and described them as a “living bridge” between India and Sri Lanka for over two centuries.