Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is all praise for Modi’s leadership

NEW DELHI: Lauding new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “inspirational qualities of leadership”, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Monday that Colombo was one with New Delhi against terrorism.

In a message to Modi immediately after he took oath as India's 14th prime minister, Rajapaksa said: “Your victory rewards your tireless commitment to serving the people of India.

It recognises your inspirational qualities of leadership and represents the hopes and aspirations of the Indian polity.” Rajapaksa has flown down from Colombo for the swearing in ceremony.

He will meet Modi for a brief bilateral meeting on today morning. Rajapaksa said: “Today, we are united in our struggle against terrorism and nation building efforts.

Our two countries enjoy a multifaceted relationship encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance, and India has emerged as a pre-eminent partner in development and commercial activities across Sri Lanka.