PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to India stating that it was "a matter of joy" for country that he h chosen India for his first visit after assuming PM's office. Mahinda Rajapaksa who assumed office as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka last year in vember is on a five-day visit to India to improve bilateral ties between two countries.

Re: PM Modi welcomes Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, upholds 'neighborhood first'

 Re: MEA confirms Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's India visit from Feb 8-11

PM Modi also said that y exchanged views on bilateral and global issues, fighting terrorism and boosting security cooperation. Joint ecomic projects in Sri Lanka also found a mention in talks.

"During today’s talks, PresRajapaksa and I were able to exchange views on bilateral and global issues. Matters relating to fighting terrorism and boosting security cooperation featured prominently in our discussions. We also discussed progress on joint ecomic projects in SL," said PM's official twitter handle. 

Re: PM Modi wishes newly sworn-in Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa

Last year his bror and newly sworn-in President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa h also come to visit India, just two weeks after assuming office.

Mahinda Rajapaksa served as country's president from 2005-2015, becoming one of longest-serving leers in South Asia. He was also prime minister for a brief period in 2018. After his official engment in Delhi, Mahinda Rajapaksa will travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya and Tirupati.

Re: Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa embarks on 4-day state visit to India

Re: India, Lanka expected discuss tre, defence during Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit

(With ncy Inputs)