India is much ahead of other countries in the South Asian region in literature, arts, education, agriculture, industry and technology, Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Addressing the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore titled ‘Prabhu Amar – Priyo Amar’ organised by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) at Bishop’s College auditorium in Colombo, Minister de Silva said Sri Lanka highly appreciates the assistance provided by India to develop technology, infrastructure and reconstruction in Sri Lanka.

“The cultural, religious and linguistic links that exist between India and Sri Lanka goes back to the pre-historic era and the friendship and cooperation that prevails today is unparallel to the cohabitation of countries in any part of the world,” Minister de Silva said. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)