Prime Minister Modi leaves to Srilanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will briefly visit Sri Lanka on Sunday during which he will hold discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena, according to the president's office here.

Modi will be the first foreign leader to visit the island nation after the Easter bombings that killed over 250 people, including 11 Indians.

This will be Modi's third visit to Sri Lanka. Earlier, he visited the country in 2015 and 2017.

"The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to arrive in Colombo on Sunday for a visit limited to a few hours. The re-elected Indian leader will be on transit from the Maldives," president Sirisena's office said.

The Indian Prime Minister who will arrive at 11 am is to attend an official luncheon hosted by the Sri Lankan President Sirisena and hold bilateral talks.

1100 hrs - Arrival Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

1205 hrs - Official Welcome Ceremony at President's Secretariat

1225 hrs - Tree Planting at President's House and Meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka 1240 hrs - Working Lunch with the President of Sri Lanka

1335 hrs - Call on PM by Leader of Opposition and by TNA Delegation

1405 hrs - Walkthrough interaction with Community

1500 hrs - Emplane

Sri Lankan police said they have made elaborate security arrangements for the visit, including traffic movement restrictions during the day.

In New Delhi, the External Affairs Ministry said that Prime Minister Modi is visiting the country with a very clear message of solidarity and signalling our confidence in the Sri Lankan government in overcoming the tragedy.