First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, External affairs Minister Prof G.L.Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Sri Lankan High Commissioner for Bangladesh Sarath Weragoda, officials, distinguish guests and High Commission staff were also present at the occasion. This event was organized by the High Commission.

At the invitation of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid a three-day State visit to Bangladesh from 18-20 April 2011. The President of Sri Lanka was accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival at the Airport in Dhaka. The President was received by Zillur Rahman, President of Bangladesh.

The official talks between the two sides were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Both sides noted with satisfaction that relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are characterized by warmth and friendliness. The joint Press Release stated that the official visit was extremely useful for promoting greater understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and five MoUs have been signed between the two countries to enhance bilateral relations.

After a successful state visit, President Rajapaksa arrived today on Wednesday 20 April with sacred hair relics of Lord Buddha released by the Government of Bangladesh presently enshrined in a Buddhist Monastery in Chittagong for exposition in Sri Lanka during 2600 Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi ceremony in May this year .

Pix by: Sudath Silva