Apr 28, Manama: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa starting a two day state visit to Bahrain arrived in the capital city of Manama this morning (28).

Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Kalifa and the Governor of Muharraq, Salman bin Isa bin Hindi warmly received the Sri Lankan President at the airport.

During the tour, the President will hold bilateral discussions with Bahraini leader King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, regarding the amicable bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and peoples and to explore ways and means of boosting and furthering the horizons of the bilateral cooperation relations in all fields.
The two countries are scheduled to sign several memorandums of understanding on a number of different sectors, during President’s visit.

The President, accompanied by a business delegation will also attend a meeting between Sri Lankan and Bahraini business communities.

The Sri Lankan delegation, comprising representatives from 27 Sri Lankan companies in various sectors, aims to explore business opportunities and increase private sector co-operation between the two countries, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has said.
The BCCI said it will hold a B2B session at its premises to enable the Bahraini business community to meet the delegation. BCCI chief executive Nabil Al Rahman Al Mahmoud has invited businessmen to take part in the bilateral meeting to be held on Tuesday.
As is customary, President Rajapaksa will also meet with the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain before conclusion of the visit.

Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Deputy Minister of Labor and Labor Relations, Sarath Weerasekara and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga are accompanying the President.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)