Prime Minister's Office
12-May, 2017 16:02 IST
PM addresses Opening Ceremony of the International Vesak Day Celebrations
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Opening Ceremony of the International Vesak Day Celebrations at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.
The Prime Minister was greeted on arrival at the venue by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. Ceremonial Drummers and Traditional Dancers welcomed Prime Minister Modi, who lit a ceremonial lamp at the entrance of the auditorium.
The function began with the recital of the 5 Buddhist precepts. The welcome speech was delivered by Mr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, Sri Lankan Minister for Buddha Sasana and Justice.
"For us in Sri Lanka, you are one of us, he said, addressing Shri Narendra Modi.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said it is a matter of great fortune, that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is present here today. He spoke of the ancient ties between the two nations, and said that Prime Minister Modi's presence at the Vesak Day event today is of great significance, and will be taken note of, by the entire world. He brings a message of friendship and peace, the President added.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, described Vesak as the most sacred of days, when humanity reveres the birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana of Lord Buddha. He added that it is a day to reflect on the supreme truth and timeless relevance of Dhamma, and the four noble truths.
The Prime Minister said he was grateful to President Maithripala Sirisena Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, and the people of Sri Lanka, for inviting him as the Chief Guest at the International Vesak Day festivities in Colombo.
"On this auspicious occasion, I also bring with me the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of the Samyak-sambuddha, the perfectly self awakened one," the Prime Minister said.
Placed below are some key excerpts from the Prime Minister's speech:
Bodh Gaya in India, where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha, is the sacred nucleus of the Buddhist universe.
Lord Buddha's first sermon in Varanasi, which I have the honour to represent in the Parliament, set in motion the wheel of Dhamma.
Our key national symbols have taken inspiration from Buddhism.
Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy.
The divine fragrance of Buddhism spread from India to all corners of the globe.
Mahindra and Sanghamitra, the worthy children of King Ashoka made their journey from India to Sri Lanka as Dhamma-Doot to spread the biggest gift of Dhamma.
Today, Sri Lanka takes pride in being among the most important centres of Buddhist teachings and learning.
Centuries later, Anagarika Dharmapala undertook a similar journey, but this time, from Sri Lanka to India, to revive the spirit of Buddha in the land of its own origin.
In some way, you took us back to our own roots.
The world also owes a debt of gratitude to Sri Lanka for preserving some of the most important elements of the Buddhist heritage.
Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate this unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism.
A heritage that connects our societies across generations and through centuries.
The friendship between India and Sri Lanka was etched in time by the "Great Master".
Buddhism imparts an ever present radiance to our relationship.
As close neighbours, our relationship spreads across many layers.
It draws its strength as much through our interconnected values of Buddhism as it does from the limitless possibilities of our shared future.
Ours is a friendship that lives in the hearts of our people and in the fabric of our societies.
To honour and deepen our links of Buddhist heritage, I have the great pleasure to announce that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi.
This will ease travel to the land of Buddha for my brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka, and help you directly visit Sravasti, Kusinagar, Sankasa, Kaushambi and Sarnath.
My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath.
I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka.
An opportunity to achieve a quantum jump in our partnership across different fields.
And, for us, the most relevant benchmark for the success of our friendship is your progress and success.
We are committed to the economic prosperity of our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters.
We will continue to invest in driving positive change and economic growth to deepen our development cooperation.
Our strength lies in sharing our knowledge, capacity and prosperity.
In trade and investment, we are already significant partners.
We believe that free flow of trade, investments, technology, and ideas across our borders will be to our mutual benefit.
India’s rapid growth can bring dividends for the entire region, especially in Sri Lanka.
In infrastructure and connectivity, transport and energy, we are poised to scale up our cooperation.
Our development partnership stretches across nearly every sector of human activity such as agriculture, education, health, resettlement, transport, power, culture, water, shelter, sports, and human resources.
Today, India’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka amounts to US Dollars 2.6 billion.
And, its only aim is to support Sri Lanka in realizing a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for its people.
Because, the economic and social well being of the people of Sri Lanka is linked with that of 1.25 billion Indians.
Because, whether it is on land or in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the security of our societies is indivisible.
My conversations with President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickramasinghe have only reinforced our will to join hands in achieving our common goals.
As you make important choices for the harmony and progress of your society, you will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours.
Lord Buddha’s message is as relevant in the twenty first century as it was two and a half millennia ago.
The Middle Path shown by Buddha, speaks to all of us.
Its universality and evergreen nature are striking.
It has been a unifying force among nations.
The countries of South, Central, South East and East Asia are proud of their Buddhist links traced to the land of Buddha.
The themes of Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace, chosen for the Vesak day, resonate deeply with Buddha's teachings.
The themes may appear independent.
But, they are both deeply interdependent and interconnected.
The issue of Social justice is linked to conflict within and among communities.
This arises principally because of Tanhaa, or Trishna in Sanskrit, the thirst, which in turn stems from greed.
Greed has driven the mankind to dominate and degrade our natural habitat.
Our desire to achieve all our wants has created income inequalities in communities and disturbed social harmony.
Similarly, the biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today is not necessarily from conflict between the nation states.
It is from the mindsets, thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence.
The menace of terrorism in our region is a concrete manifestation of this destructive emotion.
Sadly, these ideologies of hate and their proponents in our region are not open to dialogue and hence only open to causing death and destruction.
I firmly believe that Buddhism's message of peace is the answer to growing arc of violence all over the world.
And, not just a notion of peace defined by the absence of conflict.
But, an active peace where we all work to promote dialogue, harmony and justice, based on Karuna (compassion) and Pragya (wisdom).
As Buddha said, "there is no higher bliss than peace".
On Vesak, my hope is that India and Sri Lanka will work together to uphold the ideals of Lord Buddha and promote values of peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion in the policies and conduct of our governments.
This is the true path to free individuals, families, societies, nations and the world at large from the three poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance.
On the blessed day of Vesak, let us light the lamps of knowledge to move out of darkness; let us look more within; and let us uphold nothing else but the truth.
And, dedicate our efforts to follow the path of Buddha whose light shines all over the world.
As the verse 387 of Dhammapada says:
The sun shines by the day,
The moon lights up the night,
The warrior shines in his armour,
The Brahmin shines in his meditation,
But, the awakened one shines all day and night by his radiance.
Thank you once again for the honour to be with you.
I look forward to paying homage at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy today afternoon.
May the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha bless us all.
* * * *
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe arrives to attend the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe arrives to attend the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives to attend the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe attends the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe attends the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe attends the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attends the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
Prime Minister's Office
12-May, 2017 14:39 IST
Address by Prime Minister at International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo (May 12, 2017)
Most venerable, Maha Naayakonthero of Sri Lanka
Most venerable, Sangarajathairos of Sri Lanka
Distinguished religious and spiritual leaders
Hon’ble President of Sri Lanka, Excellency Maithripala Sirisena
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe
Hon'ble Speaker of Parliament Excellency Kaaroo Jayasuriya
Most venerable Dr. Brahmin Pandit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak
Esteemed Delegates
Friends from the media
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
Namaskaar.Ayubuvan.
Vesak is most sacred of days.
A day for humanity to revere the birth, the enlightenment and the Parinibbana of Lord Buddha, the "Tathagatha". A day to rejoice in Buddha. A day to reflect on the supreme truth and timeless relevance of Dhamma, and the four noble truths.
A day to contemplate the ten perfections of दान (generosity); सील (proper conduct); नेख्ख्म (renunciation); पिंन्या (wisdom); वीरि (energy); ख्न्न्ती (tolerance); सच्च (truthfulness); अदित्ठान (determination); मेत्ता (loving kindness) and उपेख्खा (equanimity).
It is a day of enormous significance for you here in Sri Lanka, for us in India, and for Buddhists around the world. And, I am most grateful to Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, Excellency Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka for extending to me the honour to be the Chief Guest at the International Vesak Day festivities in Colombo. On this auspicious occasion, I also bring with me the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of the Samyaksambuddha,the perfectly self awakened one.
Excellencies, and Friends,
Our region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings. Bodh Gaya in India, where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha, is the sacred nucleus of the Buddhist universe. Lord Buddha's first sermon in Varanasi,which I have the honour to represent in the Parliament,set in motion the wheel of Dhamma. Our key national symbols have taken inspiration from Buddhism. Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy. The divine fragrance of Buddhism spread from India to all corners of the globe. Mahindra and Sanghamitra, the worthy children of King Ashoka made their journey from India to Sri Lanka as धम्मा दूत to spread the biggest gift of धम्मा.
And, as Buddha had himself said: सब्ब्दानामधम्मादानं जनाती, meaning, the gift of धम्मा is the biggest gift of all. Today, Sri Lanka takes pride in being among the most important nerve centres of Buddhist teachings and learning. Centuries later,Anagarika Dharmapala undertook a similar journey, but this time, from Sri Lanka to India to revive the spirit of Buddha in the land of its origin. In some way, you took us back to our own roots. The world also owes a debt of gratitude to Sri Lanka for preserving some of the most important elements of the Buddhist heritage. Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate this unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism. A heritage that connects our societies across generations and through centuries.
Friends,
The friendship between India and Sri Lanka was etched in time by the "Great Master". Buddhism imparts an ever present radiance to our relationship. As close neighbours, our relationship spreads across many layers. It draws its strength as much through our interconnected values of Buddhism as it does from the limitless possibilities of our shared future. Ours is a friendship that lives in the hearts of our people and in the fabric of our societies.
To honour and deepen our links of Buddhist heritage, I have the great pleasure to announce that from August this year,Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi. This will ease travel to the land of Buddha for my brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka, and help you directly visit Sravasti, Kusinagar, Sankasa, Kaushambi and Sarnath. My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath.
Venerable Monks, Excellencies and Friends,
I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka. An opportunity to achieve a quantum jump in our partnership across different fields. And, for us, the most relevant benchmark for the success of our friendship is your progress and success. We are committed to the economic prosperity of our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters. We will continue to invest in driving positive change and economic growth to deepen our development cooperation. Our strength lies in sharing our knowledge, capacity and prosperity. In trade and investment, we are already significant partners. We believe that free flow of trade, investments, technology, and ideas across our borders will be to our mutual benefit. India’s rapid growth can bring dividends for the entire region, especially in Sri Lanka. In infrastructure and connectivity,transport and energy,we are poised to scale up our cooperation. Our development partnership stretches across nearly every sector of human activity such as agriculture, education, health, resettlement, transport, power, culture, water, shelter, sports, and human resources.
Today,India’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka amounts to US Dollars 2.6 billion. And, its only aim is to support Sri Lanka in realizing a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for its people. Because, the economic and social well being of the people of Sri Lanka is linked with that of 1.25 billion Indians. Because, whether it is on land or in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the security of our societies is indivisible. My conversations with President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe have only reinforced our will to join hands in achieving our common goals. As you make important choices for the harmony and progress of your society, you will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours.
Venerable Monks, Excellencies and Friends,
Lord Buddha’s message is as relevant in the twenty first century as it was two and a half millennia ago. The मध्यम प्रतिपदा , the Middle Path shown by Buddha, speaks to all of us. Its universality and evergreen nature is striking. It has been a unifying force among nations. The countries of South, Central, South East and East Asia are proud of their Buddhist links traced to the land of Buddha.
The themes of Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace,chosen for the Vesak day,resonate deeply with Buddha's teachings. The themes may appear independent. But, they are both deeply interdependent and interconnected. The issue of Social justice is linked to conflict within and among communities. This arises principally because of तन्हा or (तृष्णा in Sanskrit), the thirst, which in turn stems from greed . Greed has driven the mankind to dominate and degrade our natural habitat. Our desire to achieve all our wants has created income inequalities in communities and disturbed social harmony.
Similarly, the biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today may not be necessarily from conflict between the nation states. It is from the mindsets,thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence. The menace of terrorism in our region is a concrete manifestation of this destructive emotion. Sadly, these ideologies of hate and their proponents in our region are not open to dialogue and hence only open to causing death and destruction. I firmly believe that Buddhism's message of peace is the answer to growing arc of violence all over the world.
And, not just a negative notion of peace defined by the absence of conflict. But, a positive peace where we all work to promote dialogue, harmony and justice, based on compassion and wisdom. As Buddha said,"नत्तीसंतिपरणसुखं", "there is no higher bliss than peace". On Vesak, my hope is that India and Sri Lanka will work together to uphold the ideals of Lord Buddha and promote values of peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion in the policies and conduct of our governments. This is the true path to free individuals, families, societies, nations and the world at large from the three poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance.
Venerable Monks, Excellencies and friends,
On the blessed day of Vesak, let us light the lamps of knowledge to move out of darkness; let us look more within; and let us uphold nothing else but the truth. And, dedicate our efforts to follow the path of Buddha whose light shines all over the world.
As the verse 387 of Dhammapada says:
दिवातपतिआदिच्चो,रत्तिंगओभातिचंदिमा.
सन्न्द्धोखत्तियोतपति,झायीतपति ब्राह्मणों.
अथसब्बमअहोरत्तिंग,बुद्धोतपतितेजसा.
Meaning:
The sun shines by the day,
The moon lights up the night,
The warrior shines in his armour,
The Brahmin shines in his meditation,
But, the awakened one shines all day and night by his radiance.
Thank you once again for the honour to be with you.
I look forward to paying homage at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy today afternoon. May the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha bless us all.
Thank you, Thank you very much
* * * *
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session of the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
Prime Minister's Office
12-May, 2017 16:22 IST
PM inaugurates hospital in Dickoya, addresses Indian Origin Tamil community in Norwood
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated a hospital in Dickoya in Central Province of Sri Lanka, built with Indian assistance. A large number of people lined the roadside, to welcome Prime Minister Modi, who later addressed a large gathering of Indian Origin Tamils at Norwood, in the presence of the Sri Lankan President, Sri Lankan Prime Minister, and a large number of community leaders. During the address, the Prime Minister spoke of the contributions of the Indian Origin Tamil community to Sri Lanka, and the long shared heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister also met representatives of the Ceylon Workers Congress, and the Tamil Progressive Alliance.
Following are some key excerpts from the Prime Minister's address to an estimated audience of about 30,000 people, mostly Indian Origin Tamils in Central Sri Lanka:
It is a great pleasure to be here today.
And, I am most grateful for your warm and enthusiastic welcome.
It is a tremendous honour to be the first Indian Prime Minister ever to visit this beautiful region of Sri Lanka.
But, it is a greater honour to have the opportunity to speak with you.
People the world over are familiar with famous Ceylon Tea that originates in this fertile land.
What is less known is that it is your sweat and toil that makes the Ceylon Tea the brew of choice for millions around the globe.
If Sri Lanka today is the third largest exporter of tea, it is because of your hard work.
It is your labour of love which is instrumental in Sri Lanka meeting almost 17% of the world’s demand for tea, and earning more than 1.5 billion US dollars in foreign exchange.
You are that indispensable backbone of the thriving Sri Lankan tea industry that justly prides itself on its success and global reach today.
Your contribution is deeply valued across Sri Lanka and beyond.
I for one truly appreciate your hard work.
You and I have something in common.
As some of you may have heard, I have a special association with tea.
Chai pe Charcha, or discussions over tea, is not just a slogan.
Rather, a mark of deep respect for the dignity and integrity of honest labour.
Today, we remember your forefathers.
Those men and women of strong will and courage, who undertook the journey of their life from India to then Ceylon.
Their journey may have been uphill and their struggles hard, but they never gave up.
Today, we remember and salute that spirit.
Your generation also faced relentless hardships.
You encountered the stiff challenge of making your own mark and identity in a newly independent nation.
But, you faced them boldly; you fought for your rights, but you did so peacefully.
We will never forget leaders like Saumiyamurthy Thondaman, who worked hard for your rights, for your upliftment and economic prosperity.
Kaniyan Pungunranar, a Tamil Scholar had declared more than two millennia ago, Yaathum Oore; Yavarum Kelir, meaning “Every town is hometown and all people are our kin”.
And, you have captured the true spirit of that saying.
You have made Sri Lanka your home.
You are an intrinsic part of the warp and the weft of the social fabric of this beautiful nation.
You are the children of Tamil Thai.
You speak one of the oldest-surviving classical languages in the world.
It is a matter of pride that many of you also speak Sinhala.
And, language is much more than a tool for communication.
It defines a culture, forges relationships, joins communities and acts as a strong unifying force.
There is no better sight than a multilingual society living in peace and harmony.
Diversity calls for celebration; and not confrontation.
Our past has always been harmoniously inter-woven.
Several Buddhist texts including Jataka tales mention Saint Agastya, whom many consider to be the father of Tamil language.
The Sinhalese Nayak Kings of Kandy had matrimonial alliances with the Nayak Kings of Madurai and Tanjore.
Sinhala and Tamil were the court languages.
Hindu and Buddhist shrines were both respected and revered.
We need to strengthen, not separate, these threads of unity and harmony.
And, you are perhaps best placed to lead such efforts and make your contribution.
I come from the State of Gujarat in India, the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi.
Almost 90 years ago, he visited this beautiful part of Sri Lanka, including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Badulla, Bandarawela and Hatton.
Gandhiji’s first and only visit to Sri Lanka was about spreading the message of socio-economic development.
In commemoration of that historic visit, the Mahatma Gandhi International Centre was set up with Government of India assistance at Matale in 2015.
Another national icon of India from later years, Puratchi Thalaivar MGR was born on this very soil, establishing a life-long connection.
And, in more recent times, you have gifted to the world one of the finest spinners in cricket, Muthiah Muralitharan.
Your progress is our pride.
We take much joy from your accomplishments in various walks of life.
We rejoice in the success of the Indian-origin diaspora as they leave a mark across the world, near and far.
I look forward to many more shining successes.
You form an important link between Indian and Sri Lankan people and government.
We see you as part of seamless continuum of our ties with this beautiful country.
It is my Government’s priority to nurture these links.
And, shape our partnership and engagement in a manner that ultimately contributes to the progress of all Indians and all Sri Lankans, and also touches your lives.
You have kept your bonds with India alive.
You have friends and relatives in India.
You celebrate Indian festivals as your own.
You have soaked our culture and made it your own.
India beats in your hearts.
And, I am here to tell you that India fully reciprocates the warmth of your sentiment.
We will continue to work tirelessly for your socio-economic upliftment in all possible ways.
I am aware that the Government of Sri Lanka is taking active steps to improve your living conditions, including a 5-year National Plan of Action.
India will fully support their efforts in this direction.
India has also undertaken many projects for your well-being, together with Sri Lankan Government, particularly in education, health and community development sectors.
The Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust (CEWET) was set up way back in 1947 in order to encourage promising students to continue their studies.
Under this, we offer around 700 scholarships annually to students for studying in Sri Lanka and India.
Your children have benefited from this.
In the area of livelihood and capacity building, we have set up vocational training centres and 10 English language training centres and labs to help impart suitable skill sets.
Similarly, we have helped set up computer and science labs in plantation schools.
We are also upgrading a number of plantation schools.
Just a while ago, President Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and I dedicated to the people a new 150-bed hospital complex in Dickoya, which has been constructed with Indian assistance.
Its state-of-the-art facilities will cater to the health care needs of the region.
I am also pleased to announce that we have decided to extend the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service, currently in operation in Western and Southern Provinces, to all the other Provinces as well.
We are also happy to share with you India's holistic healthcare traditions such as Yoga and Ayurveda.
As we celebrate the International Day of Yoga next month, we look forward to your active participation in popularising its multiple benefits.
As part of the innovative Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka, 4000 houses are being constructed in upcountry areas.
I am happy that for the first time, beneficiaries are also being given ownership of the land on which the houses are being built.
To continue our commitment in this area, I am delighted to announce the construction of an additional ten thousand houses in upcountry areas under this project.
Earlier today, I announced direct Air India flights from Colombo to Varanasi.
With this, you would be able to visit Varanasi with ease and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The Government and people of India are with you in your journey towards peace and greater prosperity.
We will help you overcome the challenges of your past to realise the promise of your future.
As the great poet Thiruvalluvar said, “Wealth will find its own way to the man of unfailing energy and efforts”.
I am confident that it will be a bright future that matches the dreams and potential of your children and your heritage.
Thank you, Nandri.
Thank you very much.
* * * * *
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed at the Indian origin Tamil Community function, at Norwood Grounds, Dickoya, in Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017. The Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe is also seen.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed at the Indian origin Tamil Community function, at Norwood Grounds, Dickoya, in Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Indian origin Tamil Community function, at Norwood Grounds, Dickoya, in Sri Lanka on May 12, 2017. The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe are also seen.
