President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in the island Saturday night after attending the two-day Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) IV in Indonesia.

The President left for Indonesia Wednesday on a invitation extended by the Indonesian President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to attend the 4th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF IV) held from December 8 - 9, 2011 at Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

At the Forum, the President delivered a speech on democracy under the theme "Enhancing Democratic Participation in a Changing World: Responding to Democratic Voices".

President Rajapaksa emphasized the need for closest possible interaction between government and the community noting that for the democracy to be meaningful and command people's respect it must have a direct impact on their everyday lives.

He called for effective application of government mechanisms at the grassroots level, in order to address issues and to provide relief to the people.

On the sidelines of the conference the President also held bilateral discussions at the Bali Westin Hotel with Indonesian President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Qatar Premier Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al - Thani, and the King of Brunei His Majesty Hassan Al-Bolkiah.

President Rajapaksa also paid homage to the historic Borobudur Temple, considered the world's largest Buddhist temple complex, in Java, Indonesia.

The Sri Lankan delegation led by the President to the forum included Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Parliamentarian, Sajin Vas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Chief of Staff to the President, Gamini Senarath High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Indonesia, Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi and the Governor of the Central Bank, Ajith Nivard Cabraal.