(Pervez Bari): A direct flight between Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and Sri Lankan capital Colombo would be started three days in a week.
On the insistence of the state Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sri Lankan President Mr. Rajapaksa gave consent to this air service between the two towns. The two dignitaries held discussions at the state hangar here on Friday, an official spokesman said.
It may be mentioned here that Mr. Rajapaksa was in the state capital in connection with the laying of foundation stone of Sanchi Buddhist and Indic Studies University at Sanchi.
Stressing on good and permanent relations between the two countries, Chief Minister Mr. Chouhan hoped that equal treatment will be given to Tamils in Sri Lanka. Information about action being taken by the President should come out in the open with prominence. As a result of it, there will be no misunderstanding between the two countries.
Chief Minister Mr. Chouhan said that if a temple is constructed at the place where Sitaji had given Agni Pariksha, Madhya Pradesh Government will extend cooperation in it. This will promote tourism. He informed that after construction of this temple, this pilgrimage centre will also be included in Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojna.
Mr. Chouhan also laid stress on further promotion to interaction between Indian and Sri Lankan youths. He said that it will increase friendly feelings between the two countries.
He informed that international study centres will be established at Sanchi. Sri Lankan President Mr. Rajapaksa gave consent to open Sri Lankan Study Centre in this cluster.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Chouhan presented a ‘karni’ used in foundation laying, a stole and memento to the Sri Lankan President, who in turn presented a memento to Chief Minister Mr. Chouhan. Delegation accompanying Sri Lankan President, state Chief Secretary Mr. R. Parasuram and other officers were also present on the occasion. (pervezbari@eth.net)