PM Modi Visits Sri Lanka’s Sacred Anuradhapura, Inaugurates Railway Projects with President Dissanayake

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: In a significant diplomatic and cultural gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly visited the historic city of Anuradhapura on Sunday, April 6. The leaders inaugurated two major railway infrastructure projects—the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system and the newly upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line, both developed with Indian government assistance.

The projects are expected to enhance transport connectivity and trade in Sri Lanka’s northern region, underlining India’s continuing commitment to the island nation’s development and regional integration.

Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a revered symbol of Buddhism and national unity for Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

(Source – DD News) pic.twitter.com/M1X7zT0xs7

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2025

Anuradhapura: A Living Monument of Buddhist Heritage

Located around 200 kilometres north of Colombo, Anuradhapura is not just a city—it is a World Heritage Site, a spiritual centre for Theravada Buddhism, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This ancient capital is part of Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle” and has been preserved with the support of UNESCO since the 1980s.

Anuradhapura holds special reverence in the Theravada Buddhist world, being a spiritual beacon for followers in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and parts of India, Nepal, China, and Vietnam. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is worshipped by millions and is seen as a symbol of national sovereignty by Sri Lanka’s 22 million-strong Buddhist population.

Heritage Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties

PM Modi’s homage to the sacred Bodhi tree comes at a time when both nations are emphasizing cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties. The visit underscores the shared spiritual heritage between India and Sri Lanka and is seen as a reaffirmation of India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said,

“Our partnership is rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. The projects we inaugurate today are not just about infrastructure—they are about building bridges of trust, respect, and common purpose.”

The Sri Lankan government has expressed plans to further develop Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and Kandy as heritage cities, with India expected to play a key role in conservation, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism efforts.

PM Modi’s visit marks a powerful convergence of developmental cooperation and spiritual solidarity, setting a precedent for future bilateral engagements centered around civilizational values and modern progress.