PM Modi plants an 'Ashoka' sapling at Sri Lankan President's residence on his first visit to the island nation after the Easter terror attacks

On his first visit to island nation after Easter terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a sapling at  Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s house on Sunday. evergreen Ashoka tree sapling was planted on his arrival at Presidential Secretariat where PM Modi was welcomed by President.

Commenting on Indo-Sri Lanka relations, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted:

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In dition, a plaque was also placed beside sapling that re 'Asoka Saraca asoca'. Later, Prime Minister was introduced to Sri Lankan cabinet ministers.  Prime Minister was gifted a replica of 'Samhi Buddha Statue by Sri Lankan President. He arrived in Colombo from Maldives where he held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday.

His visit is considered as a sign of India's solidarity with Sri Lanka in wake of dely Easter terror attacks in April. Over 250 people were killed in attack claimed by Islamic State.

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Prime also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe:

Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on second leg of his first foreign visit after re-election last month, reflecting importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Prime Minister's visit to two neighbouring countries demonstrates priority that India attaches to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in Region) doctrine, sources said.

(With inputs from PTI)