Ocean economy 'a priority' for Indo-Lanka, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the ocean economy is a new frontier that holds enormous promise for New Delhi and Colombo, adding that it is a priority for both countries.

"Our decision to set up a Joint Task Force on Ocean Economy is a significant step, especially because of our proximity," he said at the joint press meet with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena here.

Prime Minister Modi said the people are at the heart of 'our relations'.

"We have taken a number of decisions to encourage people to people contacts, improve connectivity, and increase tourism," Prime Minister Modi said.

"We will extend the facility of "Tourist Visa on Arrival - Electronic Travel Authorization" Scheme to Sri Lankan citizens from the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 14 April, 2015," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said Air India will soon start direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo.

"We will cooperate in developing a Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka and a Buddhist Circuit in India," Prime Minister Modi said.

"We will organize a Festival of India in Sri Lanka later this year. Sri Lanka is where Buddhism has truly flourished. We will be organizing an exhibition showcasing our Buddhist heritage as part of this festival," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said India is privileged to be a development partner for Sri Lanka.

"The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in youth affairs is an important long term investment in our relationship," Prime Minister Modi said.

"We will provide a fresh Line of Credit of up to US$ 318 million for the railways sector. This will be used to procure rolling stock, and to restore and upgrade existing railway track," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said India is pleased to provide assistance for the construction of the Rabindranath Tagore auditorium at Ruhuna University in Matara.