Modi told the audience, which included Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, diplomats, politicians and Buddhist leaders from across the world that message of Buddhism was the answer to growing ‘arc of violence’ all over the world. He assured India’s support to Sri Lanka for the island’s nation-building endeavours. Modi, on his second visit to Sri Lanka in two years, was earlier received by his Sri Lankan counterpart Wickremesinghe at the venue amid traditional fanfare. The prime minister lit a lamp -- a traditional practice -- initiating the UN ‘Vesak Day’ celebrations, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. I have a special association with tea,” Modi said.

Source: dna May 13, 2017 00:56 UTC