Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. According to an official release, during the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the high importance that India attaches to its relations with Sri Lanka. Both countries enjoy deep and broad-based ties. <br/><br/>Mr Modi said that he is looking forward to continue to work closely with the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation. The Prime Minister also congratulated Mr Marapana on assuming his new responsibility as Foreign Minister and referred to his fruitful visit to Sri Lanka in May this year for the International Vesak Day. <br/><br/>Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held delegation level talks with Mr Marapana and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and ways to further deepen the historically close and friendly relations between the two countries. Mrs Swaraj also hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. Mr Marapana arrived in New Delhi yesterday evening on a three-day visit to India. This is his first overseas visit after assuming the office in August this year