SL Prez to make first overseas trip to India from Feb. 15-18

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena's first overseas trip since taking oath will be to India, adding that the ties between New Delhi and Colombo are 'unique'.

President Sirisena will visit India from February 15 to 18.

"President Sirisena of Sri Lanka will be on his first overseas visit. A first visit is always an opportunity to set directions. President Sirisena will be welcomed warmly in Delhi. We expect substantive talks; we expect outcomes in terms of agreements, in terms of frameworks and in terms of announcements," MEA official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told media persons here.

"Those issues reflect the ties between India and Sri Lanka. These ties are unique. They are based on historical, cultural, civilizational contacts as well as people-to-people ties. The Sri Lankan President, therefore, will receive a welcome in India befitting these ties," he said.

Akbaruddin also said that President Sirisena will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 16. He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Later in the day, President Sirisena's meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be structured both in terms of a restricted format as well as delegation level talks. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to call on the visiting dignitary.

President Sirisena on February 17 will visit Bodh Gaya, before travelling to Tirupati. He is then scheduled to depart for Colombo early in the morning on February 18.