A large number of foreign leaders are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka to strengthen their relationship with the country, Prof Peiris said while participating in the debate on the second reading of the budget 2011.

These visits will definitely further strengthen our international relations, he said. Pakistani President Azeez Ali Zardari, Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna and Industrial Minister Sri Anand Sharma, Commonwealth Foreign Minister Alistare Kay and a Malaysian delegation are due in Sri Lanka in the coming weeks. A Belgian trade delegation is already in the country inquiring feasibilities of commencing ventures in Sri Lanka," he said.

Several economic and business and important agreements will be finalized during Pakistani President Zardari's visit. The Indian Government has decided to provide US $ 250 million for the benefit of displaced persons in the North. Two Indian consular offices would also be opened in Jaffna and Hambantota during Krishan's visit, he said.