Sri Lankan President arrives in Thailand on a state visit

sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (29) arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok for a four-day official visit to Thailand as a guest of the Royal Thai government.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Yongyoot Wichaidit warmly welcomed the Sri Lankan President at the Airport.

Royal Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka Poldej Worachat, Sri Lanka Ambassador in Thailand General Santha Kottegoda and the Embassy staff were present at the Airport to receive the President.

The President is scheduled to have a royal audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on May 30 at the Srapathum Palace and to meet the Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the same day.

During their meeting the two leaders will exchange views on bilateral relations, as well as on regional and multilateral issues.

The President is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Day of Vesak Celebration in Ayutthaya Province on Thursday (May 31) at an invitation of the Organizing Committee of Vesak chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Wichaidit.

During President's visit to Thailand from 29 May - 2 June, the foreign ministries of the two countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on "Bilateral Political Consultations and Exchanging of the Instruments of Ratification for the Treaty between Thailand and Sri Lanka on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters."

During his visit to the Thai capital President Rajapaksa will attend a business forum and a business luncheon with Thai and Sri Lankan business leaders.

Parliamentarian Sajin De Vas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga accompanied the President.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)