Colombo – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his state visit to Sri Lanka on April 6 with a symbolic gesture of reverence at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, a revered symbol of Buddhism and sovereignty for the island nation.
Mr. Modi offered floral tributes to the ancient fig tree, believed to have sprouted from a sapling of the Bodhi tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. His visit to the site, which is protected around the clock by monks, police, and armed forces, underscored the deep spiritual and cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The Indian premier, known for his Hindu-nationalist platform, had similarly visited the Sri Maha Bodhi during his 2015 trip, offering worship and ceremonial robes to the tree, officially known as Ficus religiosa. Thousands of devotees continue to venerate the tree daily, its ancient branches supported by gold-plated iron props as a living symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Reflecting on his visit, Mr. Modi shared on social media: “This visit has reaffirmed the deep cultural, spiritual, and civilisational ties between our two nations.”
The visit also marked significant diplomatic progress. On April 5, Mr. Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presided over the signing of seven bilateral agreements spanning defence cooperation and energy initiatives. In recognition of the strengthened ties, President Dissanayake awarded Mr. Modi Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, lauding his personal commitment to fostering friendship between the nations.
Mr. Modi’s trip is widely viewed as a strategic move to counterbalance China’s growing regional influence. “We believe that our security interests are aligned. Our security is interdependent and interconnected,” Mr. Modi emphasised during joint statements.
Echoing this sentiment, President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lankan territory “will not be allowed to be used by anyone to undermine India’s security.”
The agreements and gestures of goodwill mark a new chapter in the partnership between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared history and bolstered by contemporary strategic cooperation.