Ranil to visit India this month

Amid a deepening rift in the United National Party (UNP), party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to travel to India on a two-day visit later this month to take part in an international conference at the Hindu Huddle, a senior UNP MP told Daily Mirror yesterday.

He said Mr. Wickremesinghe had confirmed his participation at the discussion which will take place in Bangalore on February 22 and 23. Some of the other distinguished guests attending the Huddle are Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble.

The former prime minister is expected to hold formal discussions with the Indian President on the sidelines of the dialogue, the UNP MP said.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had attended the Huddle last year where he delivered the inaugural address and spoke extensively on Indo-Lanka ties. (JAMILA HUSAIN)