Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. Today he will participate in the International Vesak Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists, and address the Indian-origin community. He will join the celebrations along with the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Vesak Day celebrations in Sri Lanka. This is PM's second visit to the island nation.  Addressing Sri Lankans on the occasion Of Vesak Day the PM said,  "Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate the unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism. the key national symbols, such as the wheel - chakra - is taken from Buddhism."

Highlights... 

-- Today, Sri Lanka takes pride in being one of the most important centres of Buddhism.

-- Buddhism and its various strands are deep seated in our governance, culture and philosophy. 

-- Vesak is an occasion for us to celebrate the unbroken shared heritage of Buddhism.

-- The themes of Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace, chosen for the Vesak day, resonate deeply with Buddha's teachings.

-- Lord Buddhas message is as relevant in the 21st century as it was two-and a half millennia ago.

-- You will find in India a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavours.

-- I believe we are at a moment of great opportunity in our ties with Sri Lanka.

-- My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath.

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

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

Image: The PM at the Vesak Day celebrations in Sri Lanka. Pic courtesy @PMO.