President Sirisena arrives in Bangladesh for state visit

President Maithripala Sirisena, who arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday for a three-day state visit on the invitation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, received a grand welcome at the Dhaka International Airport.

A SriLankan Airlines flight carrying President Sirisena and his 73-member delegation comprising ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers and members of the business community landed at Shahjalal Airport last morning.

This is the President’s first state visit to Bangladesh after he assumed office. Bangladeshi President Mohamed Abdul Hamid warmly welcomed his Sri Lankan counterpart at the Dhaka International Airport. The President was accorded a guard of honour with a 21-gun salute.

The Foreign Minister, Finance Minister and Health Minister of Bangladesh also welcomed President Sirisena at the airport.

The President will hold bilateral discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina today. He will also have bilateral discussions over the ways to strengthen cooperation in the maritime, education, tourism, fisheries and health fields as well as examining ways to promote investment and trade between the two countries.

During the President’s visit both countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements relating to agriculture, education, the training of diplomats and immigration and emigration.

The Sri Lankan President is set to meet President Abdul Hamid this evening. The Bangladeshi President will also host a State banquet in honour of the Sri Lankan President at Darbar Hall, Bangabhaban preceded by a cultural program.

President Sirisena will address an economic dialogue on Saturday morning to be attended by Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan business representatives.

The President’s delegation included Minister Ravi Karunanayake, state ministers Wasantha Aluvihare and Mohan Lal Grero and deputy ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Nishantha Mutuhettigama.