May 27, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke today to Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, to congratulate him on having completed 50 years since his first entering the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Modi recalled Rajapaksa’s contributions to the development of Sri Lanka in his long political career, and wished him all the best for his future.

Prime Minister also conveyed his condolences at the sudden and untimely demise yesterday of Arumugan Thondaman, a prominent leader of the Indian-Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister recalled the role that Mr. Thondaman had played in taking forward the development partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

The leaders discussed the health and economic impact of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being taken in the two countries to counter them. Prime Minister assured H.E. Rajapaksa that India stands ready to extend all possible support to Sri Lanka during this challenging time.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_20A/May27_1590602330CH.php