Am conscious of the significance of this visit: Modi in Lanka
"Am conscious of the significance of this visit. This is the first stand alone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987," Modi said during his joint statement at Colombo with President Maithripala Sirisena.
He said the heads of both countries should meet regularly to find solutions to the problems.
"Our trade has seen impressive growth over the past decade. Am also aware of your concerns and we will try to address them," assured Modi.
Extending his help to support the Lanka, Modi said, "India stands ready to help Trincomalee become a petroleum hub."
The Indian Prime Minister also assured to develop a Ramayana trail in the island country.
"We will cooperate in developing a Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka and a Buddhist Circuit in India," said he.
Modi said he admires President Sirisena's efforts to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka.
"Meeting has been very productive. Gives me confidence and optimism about the future of our relations," said Modi.
He also promised that Air India will soon start direct flights from New Delhi to Colombo.
The Indian PM said he fishermen associations of both countries should meet and find a solution to the recurrent problems of Indian fishermen arrests, which the government would then take forward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning landed in Colombo to kick start his two-day visit to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was at the airport to receive Modi at 5:30 AM.
"Never to early to receive a friend. Sri Lanka's PM Wickremesinghe receives PM @narendramodi on arrival at 0530 hrs," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.
Modi was also given a grand ceremonial reception by country's President Maithripala Sirisena.
"President Sirisena welcomes PM @narendramodi at the ceremonial reception in Colombo," Akbaruddin posted.
Modi's visit to to the island nation is considered to be an opportunity to further strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship.
"I see this visit as an opportunity to further strengthen our relationship in all its dimensions - political, strategic, economic, cultural, and above all, people to people contacts," Modi had said in his pre-departure statement.
Modi will also address the Sri Lankan Parliament during his visit.
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