Modi offers alms at Mahabodhi Society in Colombo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Mahabodhi Society in the Sri Lankan capital where he interacted with Buddhist monks and also offered alms in a symbolic gesture.

In his second engagement of the day, Modi went to the Mahabodhi Society in Maradana after talks with President Maithripala Sirisena. Both sides inked four agreements after the talks.

At the Mahabodhi Society, Modi said he felt greatly privileged to be there. "Buddhism joins us all," he said.

He said Buddhism has not just spread eastwards, but it is very much prevalent in his western state of Gujarat, especially in his village of Vadnagar.

Modi said as Gujarat chief minister he had organised an international meet on Buddhism.

Later, with folded palms he offered alms in a symbolic gesture to the Buddhist monks in the society.

He also planted a sapling at the Mahabodhi Society and offered prayers. He is to address the Sri Lankan parliament later in the day.