President arrives in Tanzania

President Mahinda Rajapaksa commencing his five-day state visit to Tanzania and Seychelles arrived at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania last morning, states a release from the Presidential Spokesman and International Media Unit.

The release adds: Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete warmly welcomed President Rajapaksa at the airport.

A girl presented a bouquet of flowers to the President while native dancers performed at the welcoming ceremony. The President was also accorded a Guard of Honour and gun salute.

Not only will this be President Rajapaksa’s first visit to both countries, but it will also be the first of any Sri Lankan President.

President Rajapaksa will hold bilateral discussions with his Tanzanian counterpart and also attend the International Smart Partnership Dialogue in the city of Dar es Salaam.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister Mervyn Silva, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin De Vaas Gunawardene, Members of Parliament Lohan Ratwatte and Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the President Laith Weeratunga and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal accompanied the President.