President welcomes Indian PM Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat.

The Prime Minister was welcomed in much pomp and pride despite the rains with traditional dancers and drummers lined along the roads.

The national anthem of both countries was played followed by a 21 gun salute.The Prime Minister also plated a sapling to mark his visit to the country.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the island this morning on an official state visit.

The Indian Prime Minister arrived in the island on board Indian Air Force flight AI001 Boeing 737.Another Boeing 737 accompanied the Air Force flight for security reasons.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by his Sri Lanka counterpart Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe. Several Ministers including the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu were present at the Bandaranaike International Airport to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.

The Indian Prime Minister was accompanied by a 59 member delegation along with 16 crew members. Premier Narendra Modi prior to leaving the BIA signed the book of memoirs.

The motorcade with the Indian Prime Minister is due to reach Colombo for a special welcoming ceremony.