Rajapaksa congratulates Modi, invites him on state visit

Jayathilaka, a former Sri Lankan diplomat, said Rajapaksa needs to develop a close friendship with Modi.  “Modi-Mahinda (Rajapaksa) friendship will be the key to all this,” Jayathilaka said.

“There are similarities in Modi's and Mahinda's political discourses. Both have a nationalist flavour in their political approaches.”

He, however, warned there will be forces who would want to create wedge between the two leaders.  He hinted that Modi might be more assertive towards Sri Lanka than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Singh. 

“This is why I say the BJP victory is decisive for Sri Lanka. It all depends as to how our President will be able to cultivate a friendship with Prime Minister Modi and move ahead.”