Colombo, April 5 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Colombo's Independence Square on Friday as he began a three-day visit to Sri Lanka aimed at deepening regional ties and development cooperation.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted him at the venue, marking the start of a packed diplomatic schedule.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at his hotel, where he was seen shaking hands with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessing a puppet show performed in his honour. The vibrant reception reflected the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

PM Modi's arrival in Colombo came after his visit to Thailand, where he held a bilateral meeting with ...