New Delhi, June 10 -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was among the first world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of becoming India's longest-serving elected premier, saying the neighbouring country benefited from his personal intervention and support in challenging times.

Dissanayake's message to Modi, which was sent on June 8, also reflected the upswing in India-Sri Lanka relations in recent years. He said the milestone in Modi's political career is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of the world's largest democracy "have repeatedly placed in your leadership".

"Your vision of an economically dynamic India has inspired many beyond your borders, including in Sri Lanka," Di...