During the meeting, the two heads of the states are known to have
exchanged views on Nepal's peace process, the ongoing civil war in Sri
Lanka, promotion of tourism and establishing direct air link between the
two countries.
Rajapaksa arrived in Kathmandu today at the invitation of Dr Yadav. His
chartered plane landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport about 45
minutes late, at 11:30 am.
He was received by Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav at the airport.
President Rajapaksa is accompanied by first lady Shiranthi. He is staying
at Hotel Soaltee.
Massive security has been provided to the Sri Lankan President during the
visit. Roads used by his convoy were completely cleared before he reached
places. Day earlier, the police had removed the concrete dividers from the
roads for security reasons.
Rajapaksa, who is the first foreign head of state to visit Nepal after the
declaration of republic here, is scheduled to hold separate meetings with
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Foreign Minister Yadav at Hotel
Soaltee.
Later in the evening, President Yadav threw a banquet at Hotel Soaltee in honor of the visiting Sri Lankan head of state. Prime Minister Dahal and other top political leaders, senior government officials and diplomats were among those present at the banquet.
On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan President will visit Lumbini, the birthplace of
Gautam Buddha, apart from visiting some Buddhist shrines in Kathmandu.nepalnews.com mk Mar 02 09
