Sri Lankan President Sirisena arrives in PH for 5-day state visit

President Maithripala Sirisena of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka smiles at Filipino officials welcoming him on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, on his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City for a five-day state visit to the Philippines. (Photo from an RTVM video)

MANILA, Philippines — Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday evening for his five-day state visit.

Sirisena landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) at around 10:15 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sirisena will proceed to the Rizal Park to lead a wreath-laying ceremony.

President Rodrigo Duterte will then receive Sirisena in formal ceremonies at Malacañang where they are expected to hold bilateral discussions.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Sirisena is also scheduled to visit the Asian Development Bank in Pasig City and the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.

The Sri lankan leader is likewise expected to meet the Sri Lankan community here in Manila.

Prior to Sirisena’s visit, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the only Sri Lankan leader to visit Manila. /atm