Sri Lankan President Sirisena arrives in Dhaka

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in dhaka on Thursday on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh, highlighting the growing ties between the two countries.

A Sri Lankan Airlines flight carrying President Sirisena and his 73-member entourage comprising ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers and business community members landed at Shahjalal Airport at 11:25am.

President Abdul Hamid welcomed Sri Lankan President at the airport amid gun salute and guard of honour.

Upon arrival, the Lankan President will be escorted to his place of residence Sonargaon Hotel in a ceremonial motorcade from where he will head for National Martyr's Memorial, Savar to pay respect to the martyrs of Liberation.

He will attend a ceremony there at 3:40pm on Thursday and will sign visitor's book there in presence of Housing and Public Works and Liberation War Affairs Ministers.

Later, the Sri Lankan President will visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhanmondi on Thursday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold official talks with Sri Lankan President Sirisena at the Prime Minister's Office on Friday morning, according to the programme schedule.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Wednesday said over 10 agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed between the two countries after the official talks.

The Sri Lankan President will meet President Abdul Hamid on Friday evening. The President will also host State banquet in honour of the Sri Lankan President at the Darbar Hall, Bangabhaban preceded by a cultural programme.

He is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 1pm on Saturday by a Sri Lankan Airlines flight wrapping up his three-day visit.

This is Sirisena's first official visit to Bangladesh since he was elected Sri Lankan President in 2015.

He visited Bangladesh in 2013 and 2014 as Sri Lankan Health Minister.

Source: dailysun