Will hold discussions with Indian PM, President and Jayalalitha:

President's first state visit, more than just symbolic

BY BANDULA Jayasekara

PRESIDENT Mahinda Rajapakse's visit to New Delhi today, his first as Head of State is more than just symbolic.

Several agreements between the two countries will be signed during the President's visit to the Indian capital.

Agreements will be signed to construct a 150 bed hospital in Dickoya, a Software Park, Coal Power project in Trincomalee, Mutual legal assistance agreement and an agreement to provide 100 million dollar credit line to develop the railway sector in Sri Lanka.

During his visit to India, President Rajapakse will hold discussions with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, President Dr. Abdul Kalam, and Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi.

He will travel to Chennai to hold important political and economic discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram.

The President will also meet with several Indian political leaders, other prominent personalities and have a breakfast meeting with the Indian corporate leaders in New Delhi.

On Wednesday, Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam will host a special banquet in honour of the Sri Lankan President. President Rajapakse will also lay a wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in Rajghat.

A devout Buddhist, President Rajapakse will make a special visit to Bodh Gaya where the Buddha first attained Enlightenment.

He will also visit the famous Hindu Temple in Cochin, Guruvayur.

The President will be accompanied by Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapakse, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Ferial Ashraff, A. H. M. Fowzie, Rohitha Bogollagama and Felix Perera, several Deputy Ministers and Secretaries of relevant ministries.