Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his forthcoming trip to Sri Lanka a short while ago, despite demands for him to call off the trip.

In a statement released on his official visit, Modi said, "I embark on my first visit to Sri Lanka with great joy and confidence that this visit will make India’s relations with Sri Lanka even stronger, in the larger interest of our people."

"In Sri Lanka I would be addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament and visiting the Mahabodhi Society" Modi added.

Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka on a bilateral trip in 28 years. Before coming to Sri Lanka he will be in Seychelles and Mauritius. He will take part in National Day celebrations in Mauritius, a country with a majority of inhabitants of Indian descent.

The full statement of Narendra Modi's Sri Lanka visit is given below:

On 13th and 14th March I will be in Sri Lanka. I embark on my first visit to Sri Lanka with great joy and confidence that this visit will make India’s relations with Sri Lanka even stronger, in the larger interest of our people. Robust ties with Sri Lanka signifies the importance India attaches to the South Asian neighbourhood.

My visit comes after President Sirisena’s visit to India during which substantial ground was covered on taking our ties forward. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting President Sirisena once again.

Our ties with Sri Lanka have stood the test of time. We have a shared history, heritage and values. And yes, both our Nations share a love for cricket!

In Sri Lanka I would be addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament and visiting the Mahabodhi Society. I consider it my good fortune that I would be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Jaffna, where I would be laying the foundation stone for the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre that will come up adjacent to the historic Jaffna Public Library. I will visit the site of a Housing Project that is one among the many projects being taken up by the Indian Government for the benefit of the local people.

India is committed in its support for Sri Lanka’s development and am sure together we are going to script a golden chapter in the history of India-Sri Lanka relations.

(From Narendra Modi official Facebook page)