President returns after tour of China

President Rajapaksa returns home after a successful three day official tour of China.

The President returned to the island this afternoon. The President was a special guest at the 2010 EXPO Exhibition which concluded at Shanghai yesterday. He and his entourage were there at an invitation extended by China. President Rajapaksa was also a special guest at the EXPO Summit which was organized yesterday. The attention of the world leaders was drawn to the history of the Exhibition.

During his visit, the President received an opportunity of meeting his Nepalese counterpart Ram Baran Yadev and holding bilateral talks. Both leders focused attention on the political crisis in Nepal. The Nepalese President told his Sri Lankan counterpart that they desired his mediation as on several previous occasion to address the political dispute. The Nepalese leader highly appreciated Sri Lanka’s support in the development of Lumbini. Their attention was also focused on the promotion of tourism and education in both countries.

President Rajapaksa was able to meet Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao for discussions in Shanghai. The discussions centred on the progress of development projects mooted in Sri Lanka with Chinese assistance. The Chinese Premier assured the President continued support in the future.