PM Narendra Modi Addressing Sri Lankans On Occasion Of Vesak Day
Our key national symbols, such as the wheel -
chakra - is taken from Buddhism.
Today, Sri Lanka takes pride in being one of the most important centres of Buddhism.
Though Buddhism started and spread from India, Sri Lanka has preserved some of its most sacred teachings. You have taken us back to our roots.
Mahindra and Sanghamitra, the children of Emperor Ashoka, made their journey from India to Sri Lanka to spread the biggest gift of Dhamma.
We will start a direct flight between Varanasi and Colombo.
My Tamil brothers and sisters will be able to visit the Kashi Vishwanath.
We are committed to the progress and success of Sri Lanka. Our strength lies in sharing our knowledge and prosperity.
Free flow of trade, technology and ideas will benefit us mutually.
We share important goals in infrastructure, connectivity, transport and energy.
My decision with the Sri Lankan President Sirisena and PM Wickeremesinghe has only strengthened our relationship to stand together as partners.
The path shown by Lord Buddha speaks to us all. It has been a unifying force among nations.
The themes of social justice and sustainable world peace, chosen for Vesak Day, resonate deeply with Lord 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 stems, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence.
You will find in India, a friend and partner that will support your nation-building endeavors.
On Vesak Day, 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.