PM Modi in Sri Lanka: I believe that Buddhism's message of peace is answer to growing arc of violence across world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke at International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. PM Modi said that he is most grateful to President, PM and people of Sri Lanka for extending him honour to be Chief Guest in Colombo.

Here are the excerpts from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Colombo:

# I believe that Buddhism's message of peace is the answer to growing arc of violence all over the world

# Sadly these ideologies of hate and their proponents in our region are not open to dialogue and hence only open to causing death, destruction

# Menace of terrorism in our region is a clear manifestation of this destructive emotion

# It is from the mindsets, thought streams, entities and instruments rooted in the idea of hate and violence

# The biggest challenge to Sustainable World Peace today is not necessarily from conflict between the nation states

# My Tamil brothers and sisters will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi Viswanath

# From August this year, Air India will operate direct flight between Colombo and Varanasi, will ease travel to the land of Buddha

# Most grateful to President, PM and people of Sri Lanka for extending to me honour to be Chief Guest here