Malaysian PM’s visit to Sri Lanka expected to provide opportunity for both countries to strengthen t

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrived in Colombo yesterday on a two-day official visit on an invitation of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana welcomed the Malaysian Premier at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

The Prime Minister was accorded a grand welcoming ceremony where he was also introduced to Sri Lankan ministers and the diplomatic corps by Marapana.

Prime Minister Najib’s first official visit to the island will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s delegation Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Minister and senior officials from the Government of Malaysia.

The Malaysian Prime Minister will be received at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday morning with an official guard of honor and gun salute that will be followed by official bilateral discussions with President Sirisena covering a wide range of subjects.

Both leaders will also witness the signing of several Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) and agreements between the two countries in the fields of training, science and technology, communication and bio-economy. The MoUs include collaboration in training for diplomatic officers, science and technology studies, health tourism and collaboration with several private companies including Axiata Group, one of Asia’s leading telecommunications groups.

An Official Welcoming Luncheon will also be hosted by the President of Sri Lanka in honor of the Prime Minister and wife.

The Prime Minster of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe is hosting a working lunch in honor of his Malaysian counterpart on Tuesday. A meeting with the Chief Minister of Northern Province has also been arranged.

The Prime Minister Najib will attend a roundtable meeting with Sri Lankan businessmen and will also meet with Malaysian diaspora in Sri Lanka to explore various areas of cooperation.

“The Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss various areas of cooperation including trade and investment, education, tourism, health and human resource as well as issues of interest in regional and international cooperation,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.

Malaysian Premier is due to visit the Maldives from Dec 19-21.

“The Prime Minister’s visits underline the significance and importance Malaysia attaches to its relationship with Sri Lanka and Maldives. These visits are also expected to set Malaysia’s future direction with both countries, covering all areas of cooperation,” Wisma Putra said.