Nirmala Sitharaman calls on Chief prelates ; visits Sri Maha Bodhi (Video)

Visiting Union Finance Minister of India – Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, who is currently on a visit to Sri Lanka, had called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters yesterday (01).

Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter – Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero had acknowledged the deep cultural ties and shared heritage between the two nations and also thanked the Indian Finance Minister for the economic assistance during the time of economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

During her call on the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter – Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana, Ms. Sitharaman had also mentioned the MoU which will be signed today for the solar electrification of religious places in Sri Lanka. For this project, India will allocate Indian Rs. 82.40 crore out of the GOI grant assistance of Indian Rs. 107.47 crore earmarked for the promotion of Buddhist ties.

Thanking the minister and India, the Chief Prelate had indicated that it is a timely and supportive step towards their energy needs.

Ms. Sitharaman had also paid homage to the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy as well as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.