Direct flight from Varanasi to Colombo from August - Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that the biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today is not necessarily from conflict between the nation states but from the mindsets, thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence.

He made these comments while delivering a speech during the Opening Ceremony of the United Nations Day of International Vesak Festival 2017 at the BMICH on Friday (12). 

Modi said that he is grateful to President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka for extending to him the honour to be Chief Guest at Vesak Day.

“I also bring with me the greetings of 1.25 billion people from the land of the Samyaksambuddha, the perfectly self awakened one,” he said.

The Indian PM said that our region is blessed to have given to the world the invaluable gift of Buddha and his teachings. Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy, he said. 

Modi stated that Sri Lanka takes pride in being among the most important nerve centres of Buddhist teachings and learning. Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate the unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism, he said. 

The Indian Prime Minister also said that India’s national carrier will commence direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi. 

“I have the great pleasure to announce that from August this year, Air India will operate direct flights between Colombo and Varanasi.”

“My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath,” he said.

“I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka,” Modi said. Speaking to the people of Sri Lanka, he said that: “You will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours.”

The PM said that Lord Buddha’s message is as relevant in the twenty first century as it was two and a half millennia ago and that the themes of Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace, chosen for the Vesak day, resonate deeply with Buddha’s teachings.

“The biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today is not necessarily from conflict between the nation states.”

“It is from the mindsets, thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence,” he stressed. 

On Vesak let us light the lamps of knowledge to move out of darkness; let us look more within and let us uphold nothing else but the truth, he said. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today participated in the 14th International Vesak Day celebrations in the Sri Lankan capital, the biggest festival of Buddhists.

Modi, on his second visit to Sri Lanka in two years, was received by his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the venue amid traditional fanfare.

The prime minister, who is the chief guest at the event, lit lamps - a traditional practice. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena was also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Wickremesinghe thanked Modi for being the chief guest at the event.

“Proud to host Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo. I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for being the chief guest during the celebrations,” Wickremesinghe said.

“Teachings of Buddhism are relevant in today’s world. Buddhism shows a moderate path and need to consolidate social justice,” he said.

-Agencies