Goodwill of India will always be with Sri Lanka: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday referred to Colombo as a 'close neighbour and friend', adding that the goodwill and support of India will always be with Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister made his statements after holding bilateral discussions with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena.

The official twitter handle of the Prime Minister's Office shared Prime Minister Modi's thoughts on India-Sri Lanka relations via a series of tweets.

"A privilege to welcome President Sirisena. Honured that you chose India as your 1st overseas destination: PM @narendramodi"

"India is SL's closest neighbour and friend. Goodwill and support of people of India will always be with you: PM @narendramodi"

"I believe that our destinies are inter-linked. Our security and prosperity are indivisible: PM @narendramodi"

"President Sirisena and I had excellent discussions today on our bilateral relations and international issues: PM"

Prime Minister Modi and President Sirisena also discussed several topics essential to relations between the two nations, including the civil nuclear cooperation and the fishermen issue.

"We discussed expansion of cooperation in energy sector both conventional and renewable: PM @narendramodi"

"The bilateral agreement on civil nuclear cooperation is yet another demonstration of our mutual trust: PM @narendramodi"

"President and I attach the highest importance to the fishermen's issue: PM @narendramodi"

"We agreed that there must be a constructive and humanitarian approach to the issue: PM @narendramodi"

"We are at a moment of an unprecedented opportunity to take our bilateral relations to a new level: PM @narendramodi"

Earlier in the day, President Sirisena received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Sri Lankan President walked on the red carpet and stood under a red canvas as a military band played the national anthems of both countries.

The visiting dignitary later visited the Rajghat to pay his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

This is President Sirisena's first overseas visit after assuming office.