Modi held virtual bilateral summit with Sri Lankan PM

India asked Sri Lanka to fully implement constitutional provisions aimed at giving more powers to Tamil-inhabited areas of the island nation even as PM Modi announced a grant of $15 million for promoting Buddhist ties between the two sides.

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Key-Points

The grant will assist in deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism.

They agreed that the Indian side would facilitate the visit of a delegation of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka in the first inaugural flight to Sacred City of Kushinagar. Kushinagar Airport was designated as an international airport recently recognizing its importance as a Buddhist site.

Both sides also agreed to explore opportunities in the areas of Ayurveda and Yoga.

India and Sri Lanka have reached an understanding to extend the MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects for a five-year period beginning 2020.

Both leaders agreed to continue the successful Indian housing project and gave instructions to the relevant officials to fast-track the construction of 10,000 houses in the plantation sector.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is essential for carrying forward the process of peace and reconciliation and realizing the expectations of Tamils for equality.