President Sirisena leaves for Germany on official visit

President Maithripala Sirisena left for Germany this morning on an official visit.?During his visit to Germany the President is expected to secure?economic and development benefits for Sri Lanka, the President?s office said.

A special ceremony will be held under the patronage of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to welcome the President on February 17.

President Sirisena is scheduled to visit the German Parliament and to meet representatives of the German Parliament. Subsequent to that the President is expected to held bilateral discussions with the German Foreign Minister.

A special discussion between the President and the German Economic Affairs Minister is also scheduled to be held.

Germany is one of the economically powerful member States of the European Union and one of the largest export economies in the world.

After concluding the 2-day visit to Germany the President will leave for Austria on February 19.

The President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, will warmly welcome the President. The President is expected to have talks with?a high level Austrian delegation including with the Austrian President.

During the visit to Austria the President is also scheduled to meet the Austrian business community. The aim of the tour is to further collaborate and strengthen the relations between the two countries. (Colombo Gazette)