News
High-powered Chinese delegation whisked away on arrival at BIA
The 26-member higher-powered Chinese delegation, which arrived in Colombo on Thursday night, was whisked away under a tight security escort.
Our Airport Correspondent says the VVIP Lounge was declared out of bounds to journalists and no photographs of the visiting delegation were allowed.
The delegation, which arrived aboard a special flight BJN099 from Beijing at 7.40 pm, was welcomed by State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage and senior Chinese Embassy officials in Colombo.
However, as soon as the members of the delegation emerged from the VVIP Lounge, they were ushered into a convoy of waiting vehicles and driven away under security escort, our BIA correspondent said.
Under normal circumstances all visitors to Sri Lanka must quarantine for 14 days. However, members of the visiting Chinese delegation were not placed under quarantine as they had undergone a PCR test prior to arriving in Sri Lanka, Health Minister, Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.
The delegation, led by former Chinese Foreign Minister and incumbent Communist Party Political Bureau Member, Yang Jiechi, met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday before leaving for Beijing later in the evening.
Being the first ever Chinese visit in the South Asian region, since the global Corona epidemic, the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, in the areas of combating the global pandemic and revival of economic relations, the Foreign Relations Ministry said.
The travel bubble set up for the purpose of this important visit will confine the delegation to Colombo and restrict their engagements to just two meetings with the Head of State and the Prime Minister, under the strict health protocol prescribed by the Ministry of Health, it added.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday (April 4) night for a three-day state visit, is currently underway at Independence Square in Colombo.
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
Ceremonial reception for Indian PM Narendra Modi commences
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