During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated two significant railway projects in Anuradhapura. The first project involved the 128-km refurbished Maho-Omanthai railway line, upgraded with Indian assistance amounting to $91.27 million. The second project was the launch of an advanced railway signalling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, valued at $14.89 million.
These projects are integral to a north-south railway connectivity plan designed to enhance both passenger and freight traffic. They are expected to bolster Sri Lanka's transport sector, increase regional integration, and stimulate economic growth by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people.
India has provided over $2 billion in concessional financing through credit lines from the EXIM Bank. This support includes:
PM Modi and President Dissanayake also visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. PM Modi emphasized that the temple symbolizes peace and spiritual continuity, highlighting the shared cultural and religious heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the visit included discussions on energy cooperation, defense, and digital connectivity. The shared religious and civilizational links were reinforced through joint temple visits, while strategic engagements pointed towards long-term collaboration.
As a goodwill gesture, Sri Lanka released 14 Indian fishermen during PM Modi's visit. This act was part of ongoing efforts to address fishing disputes and promote humane treatment of detained fishermen from both countries.
In 2022, India extended a financial assistance package exceeding $4 billion to help Sri Lanka manage its severe economic crisis. This package included:
India's support played a crucial role in stabilizing essential supplies during the crisis and was instrumental in facilitating Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion IMF bailout. India was the first bilateral creditor to formally support debt restructuring efforts, helping Sri Lanka meet the preconditions set by the IMF.
In his address from Anuradhapura, PM Modi highlighted the deep cultural ties and spiritual heritage shared by both nations. He remarked that these connections would influence future cooperation and development in the region.
Q1. What were the key railway projects inaugurated during PM Modi's visit?
Answer: PM Modi and Sri Lankan President inaugurated the refurbished Maho-Omanthai railway line and a new signalling system, enhancing connectivity.
Q2. How much financial support has India provided to Sri Lanka?
Answer: India has extended over $2 billion in concessional financing to Sri Lanka, supporting various development projects, including railway upgrades.
Q3. What cultural site did PM Modi visit in Sri Lanka?
Answer: PM Modi visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, emphasizing its significance in India's and Sri Lanka's shared cultural heritage.
Q4. What humanitarian act occurred during PM Modi's visit?
Answer: Sri Lanka released 14 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture aimed at resolving fishing disputes between the two countries.
Q5. How did India's assistance affect Sri Lanka's economic crisis?
Answer: India's support helped stabilize essential supplies and played a vital role in facilitating Sri Lanka's IMF bailout during its economic crisis.
Question 1: What was the financial aid amount provided by India to Sri Lanka in 2022?
A) $2 billion
B) $4 billion
C) $1.5 billion
D) $3 billion
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which temple did PM Modi visit during his trip to Sri Lanka?
A) Temple of the Tooth
B) Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
C) Mahabodhi Temple
D) Sri Dalada Maligawa
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What was one of the railway projects inaugurated during the visit?
A) Colombo-Kandy railway line
B) Maho-Omanthai railway line
C) Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa line
D) Jaffna railway line
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What humanitarian gesture was made by Sri Lanka during the visit?
A) Release of Indian fishermen
B) Provision of medical supplies
C) Donation of food supplies
D) Sending aid workers to India
Correct Answer: A
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