Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, Sri Lanka is not just a neighbouring country, but a very special and trusted partner of India in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean.

Addressing the programme marking the expansion of Emergency Ambulance Service over the entire island of Sri Lanka via video conferencing, Mr Modi said, the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka. This expansion is being done with Indian assistance.

The Prime Minister said, India had promised that it will work for expanding the pre-hospital Emergency Ambulance Service.

He expressed happiness that India has fulfilled its promise in a timely manner and the second phase of the service has begun. He said, India has been and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka in both good and bad times.

The Prime Minister also said that people of both nations should be in constant touch with each other. He encouraged people to come to India and experience the New India that is taking shape.