ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A high level Indian delegation led by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe and had a meaningful interactions with the Minister duo in Colombo today.
The Patel-Mein-led delegation arrived in the Sri Lankan capital on Monday to bring Lord Buddha’s Devnimori relics back to India.
The meeting focused on the improved India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with particular reference to India’s timely support to Sri Lanka during periods of crisis, which has played a significant role in deepening mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations. The discussions also highlighted the strong civilizational links between the countries, rooted in shared cultural and spiritual traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Dy CM shared that despite the geographical distance between Arunachal Pradesh and Sri Lanka, the two regions remain closely connected through Theravada Buddhist traditions and long standing socio-religious practices. He highlighted the regular exchange of monks between Namsai in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Sri Lanka for higher studies, Abhidhamma teachings and discourses, contributing to the spread of Lord Buddha’s message of compassion, peace and harmony. He also underscored Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential in cultural, spiritual and eco-tourism fronts.
The dignitaries were accompanied by Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Satyanjal Pandey; Counsellor Economic and Commerce, Devika Lal; First Secretary Political, Colombo, Navya Singla; First Secretary Economic and Commerce, Saurabh Sabhlok, from High Commision of India, Colombo; and ADC to the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shreyash Manoj Kumar.
Later, the dignitaries held an enriching interaction with the members of the Indian diaspora residing in Sri Lanka. They appreciated their meaningful contributions to Sri Lanka’s growth and economy across business, education and various professional sectors, while continuing to preserve their cultural heritage and live together as a close knit community.
The dignitaries also visited important cultural and heritage sites in Galle, further reflecting the shared historical and maritime links between India and Sri Lanka. (Dy CM’s media cell)