AI SUMMARY GENERATED ONLY FROM THIS ARTICLE'S TEXT.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Japan this morning on a four-day official visit, the Office of the Presidential Spokesman and International Media Adviser said today.
The statement also said:
President Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Wickramasinghe Rajapaksa were received by Minoru Kiuchi, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs in Japan, Admiral (RETD.) Wasantha Karannagoda, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Japan and Nobuhito Hobo, Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.
During the visit, President Rajapaksa is expected to hold discussions with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and have an audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan who will also be hosting a lunch for the President and the First Lady at the Imperial Palace.
President Rajapaksa is scheduled to host a breakfast meeting for leaders of Japan's corporate and industry sectors as well as attend the inaugural ceremony of the Sri Lanka Business Forum. In addition to several bilateral meetings with Japanese ministers and government officials, President Rajapaksa is also scheduled to attend a meeting of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary League and meet with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva, Monitoring MP for Ministry of External Affairs Sajin de Vaas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Governor of Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal are among the Sri Lankan officials, along with a business delegation, accompanying the President on his second official visit to the country.
These are few of the countries who will invite MR on an official visit, mainly due to business issues. Majority of countries in the world and their leaders would not want such a notorious person in their country.
553
SS LK Wednesday, 13 March 2013 07:41 AM
Business delegates travel on their OWN expenses.
20
Ananda S Tuesday, 12 March 2013 04:52 PM
It is not a waste of money at all because this is how Sri Lanka can earn the respect and the international cooperation on matters. I think only the waste is the big entourage of his overseas trip.
00
Trehan Munasinghe Tuesday, 12 March 2013 12:28 PM
Bus fares and Electricity will be increased...Obata Jayawewa... !
021
Don Tuesday, 12 March 2013 09:56 AM
Good knob polisher?
236
Janaki Tuesday, 12 March 2013 09:40 AM
When one clicks on the red logo the green logo changes as well . Computer Gilmart at its best fiddle opinion! Bet this comment will be censured
1020
ANTON Tuesday, 12 March 2013 09:25 AM
YEAH, WE ARE STILL IN COLOMBO.
020
Buffaloa Citizen Tuesday, 12 March 2013 09:02 AM
GL feels like a box that has arrived under sea cargo.
028
Wimala Tuesday, 12 March 2013 08:29 AM
Why you go Japan?
333
Muthu Tuesday, 12 March 2013 08:19 AM
Everywhere this fellow goes he takes a business delegation but only business that we can actually see is increases in prices of everything from peanuts to donuts.
357
jayantha silva Tuesday, 12 March 2013 08:16 AM
Wonder how Prof.GL feels being ' monitored ' by an ex wharf clerk .
250
Seriously Tuesday, 12 March 2013 12:00 AM
To me it just sounds like a waste of public funds
via DM Android App
1082
UG Tuesday, 12 March 2013 08:01 AM
What was the total number of delegation? Pina chance to visit Japan for all Godayas coming from down-south! No wander that Sri Lankan Air Lines owes billions to CPC.
655
Ravi Tuesday, 12 March 2013 08:05 AM
Hope he took a big begging bowl !
446
PRASANNAJIT Tuesday, 12 March 2013 07:57 AM
One aircraft taken. Already Srilankan flights are delayed and down graded.
348
Suq Madique Tuesday, 12 March 2013 07:53 AM
So how many went with him? Truly a waste on money.
474
ravivararo Tuesday, 12 March 2013 07:46 AM
another fuel and food price hikes are expected.
455
R.Dias Tuesday, 12 March 2013 07:38 AM
They are meeting Yashushi Akashi...hik..hik..hik..
338
sri lankan Tuesday, 12 March 2013 07:33 AM
It is shame that jokers like vaz gunawardane accompany the president on official visits at taxpayers expense. What are this guy's credentials ?
457
Ben Hurling Tuesday, 12 March 2013 12:00 AM
Looks like another useless overseas Junket at tax payer's expense. This guy really knows how to travel. via DM Android App
869
Srilankan Tuesday, 12 March 2013 06:55 AM
Tax payers money...............
1179
Ramzeel Tuesday, 12 March 2013 06:43 AM
When China refuses loans we go to Japan
799
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