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VP Radhakrishnan's Sri Lanka Temple Visit Strengthens Civilisational Bonds

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the Kathiresan Temple and Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, offering prayers for the shared prosperity of India and Sri Lanka. The visit highlighted the deep-rooted historical and spiritual linkages between the two nations, recalling a recent cultural exchange of Lord Buddha's relics. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the VP, expressing optimism for strengthening bilateral ties through key discussions. The visit also featured announcements on development initiatives, including railway restoration and reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.

Key Points: Indian VP Visits Temples in Colombo, Highlights India-Sri Lanka Ties

  • VP visits key Colombo temples
  • Highlights shared civilisational heritage
  • Sri Lankan President welcomes visit
  • Development projects & MOUs announced
  • Visit aligns with 'Neighbourhood First' policy
3 min read

VP Radhakrishnan visits temples in Colombo, highlights civilisational ties

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visits Kathiresan & Gangaramaya Temples in Colombo, underscoring deep cultural and civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka.

"Connected by shared heritage! - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

Colombo, April 20

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday visited key religious sites in Colombo during his ongoing visit to Sri Lanka, underlining the deep-rooted cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"Connected by shared heritage! VP India paid respects at the Kathiresan Temple and Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today during his ongoing visit to Sri Lanka. Vice President offered prayers seeking blessings for the shared prosperity of India and Sri Lanka," Jaiswal said in a post on X.

He further highlighted the historical and spiritual linkages between the two nations, recalling a recent cultural exchange.

"He also recalled, with reverence, the public exposition of Lord Buddha's sacred relics from Devnimori in Gujarat at the Gangaramaya Temple earlier this year, underscoring the enduring civilizational bonds between India and Sri Lanka," the MEA spokesperson added.

In separate posts, Jaiswal noted that the Vice President offered prayers at both temples during the visit and was accorded a traditional welcome at the Kathiresan Temple.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also welcomed the Vice President, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.

"Welcomed Indian Vice-President @CPR_VP to Sri Lanka as he begins a two-day official visit. Looking forward to strengthening ties through key discussions," Dissanayake said in a post on X.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said during a special briefing that the Vice President concluded his engagements by visiting and praying at the Kathiresan Temple and the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

"The Vice President concluded the day's engagements by visiting and praying at the Kathiresan Temple and the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo," Misri said.

He added that Radhakrishnan is scheduled to visit Nuwara Eliya, where he will interact with beneficiaries of the Indian Housing Project and visit sites constructed by India.

Misri also highlighted key development initiatives announced during the visit, including the resumption of train services on the restored northern railway line and the installation of three Bailey bridges in areas impacted by Cyclone Dithwa.

He further noted the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding focused on reconstruction and development in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, including projects related to healthcare, women's empowerment, and agriculture.

Reiterating India's strategic outlook, Misri said Sri Lanka remains a key partner in India's 'SAGAR' vision and 'Neighbourhood First' policy, adding that the Vice President's visit -- the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka -- is expected to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see diplomacy that goes beyond just politics. Connecting through temples and culture is the Indian way. Hope the development projects like the housing and railway lines bring real benefits to the people of Sri Lanka.
A
Aman W
While the cultural gestures are nice, I hope the key discussions focus on tangible economic cooperation and regional stability. The 'Neighbourhood First' policy needs to deliver concrete results for both nations.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Sri Lanka, the cultural connections are palpable. It's heartening to see leadership honoring these bonds. The healthcare and women's empowerment MoUs sound particularly promising.
V
Vikram M
First-ever bilateral visit by an Indian VP to Sri Lanka? About time! Our histories are intertwined. Strengthening these civilizational ties is crucial for a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region. SAGAR vision in action.
K
Kriti O
Respectful criticism: I appreciate the cultural outreach, but let's ensure our development projects are sustainable and actually reach the beneficiaries. Sometimes these MoUs get signed and then forgotten. Accountability is key.

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