President on a State visit to China
[August 28, 2005 - 8.00 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga left for the Peoples Republic of China early today on a five-day State visit at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike and Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

 

President Kumaratunga will hold official talks with President Hu Jintao on bilateral issues covering areas of economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. She is also due to meet with Premier Wen Jiabo, other Chinese dignitaries and corporate leaders. The President is also due to deliver the key note address at the Tenth Anniversary Commemoration Meeting of the Beijing Women's Conference on 29th Monday. The President has also accepted an invitation sent by the China Centre for Promotion of International Trade to address a Seminar on Trade, Investment & Tourism Promotion.

Several bilateral agreements in the fields of finance, tourism and culture are to be signed by the Ministers in the presence of the two Presidents. The two sides will also exchange Diplomatic Notes on the establishment of a Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai to facilitate business and tourism between the two countries.

Minister Rantansiri Wickremanayake will act as Minister of Defence till the President’s return. The Education portfolio will be administered by Minister Mangala Samaraweera (School Education) and Minister Dinesh Gunawardena (Higher Education). Deputy Ministers Dilan Perera and Lasantha Alagiyawanne will act as the Ministers of Media, Transport, while Deputy Minister D. M. Dassanayake will act as Minister of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

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Last Updated Date: August 28, 2005 - 8.00 GMT