President Mohamed Nasheed and the First Lady Madam Laila Ali, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a State Visit. The President and the First Lady were welcomed with a warm reception at Banadaranaike International Airport.

The President and the First Lady were received by the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse and Madam Rajapakse. President Nasheed was introduced by the Sri Lankan President to senior Sri Lankan Government officials. Further, the Sri Lankan President was introduced to the members of President Nasheed’s delegation.

The national anthems of the two countries were then played, with President Nasheed on the dais. He then inspected a Guard of Honour which was followed by a 21-Gun Salute.
The President and the First Lady then signed the visitors’ “Golden Book”.

During the 3 day State visit to Sri Lanka, the President is scheduled to meet with the Sri Lankan President, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister, Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and senior officials of the Sri-Lankan Government. Bilateral consultations also will be held during the visit.

The President and the First Lady will also attend a State Banquet hosted in their honour by the President and the First Lady of Sri Lanka.