Maithri arrives in India in his first overseas State visit

Monday, 16 February 2015 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Indian Minister of State for Shipping P. Radhakrishnan (left) greets President Maithripala Sirisena on arrival at the Indra Gandhi International airport in New Delhi yesterday. India’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in India Sudarshana Seneviratne are also present - Pic by Sudath Silva New Delhi: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in New Delhi Sunday on a four-day official visit, his first foreign trip after he assumed office last month. India's Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, P. Radhakrishnan and India's High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha along with senior government officials warmly welcomed the President and his wife at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Sri Lankan leader was invited to visit New Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Modi when he called him congratulate on his election victory. During his visit, the Sri Lankan President is expected to hold discussions with Indian leaders on a wide range of issues. The new President and the government of Sri Lanka are keen to enhance the relationship with India that was deteriorating during the previous regime as the Mahinda Rajapaksa government aligned with China. During the Sri Lankan President's visit the two countries are scheduled sign several bilateral agreements including a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of agriculture. While in New Delhi, the President will also discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of highways, higher education and investment promotion, and sign relevant agreements. The President will also seek a grant assistance of around US$ 260 million to construct houses for the estate workers in upcountry tea plantations. His Indian counterpart President Pranab Mukherjee hosted a banquet in honor of the Sri Lankan leader at the Rashtrapathi Bawan on Sunday night. The President is accompanied by a delegation including Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Resettlement Minister D.M. Swaminathan, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, and Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon. Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who was just returning from the United States after an official visit, also joined the Sri Lankan delegation.