Kazakhstan Children welcomed the President and the First Lady
19th November 2012
Marking the beginning of a golden era in 20 year old diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sri Lankan President H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa commenced a State visit to this landlocked Central Asian country on 19th November 2012. Being the first to be visited by a Sri Lankan Head of State to the Republic of Kazakhstan further enhanced the significance of the event. Once part of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Kazakhstan is emerging as a nation with enormous economic potential backed by a government considered as one of the most politically stable in the Central Asian region. The President’s visit happened in an era where more and more powerful nations are eyeing the economic opportunities, this landlocked Central Asian country is beginning to unveil.
H.E. the President was warmly welcomed by the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Kazakhstan Honorable Erbolat Dosayev & Mayor of Astana upon arrival by a special aircraft at the Astana National Airport at 13.30 on 19th November 2012. Kazakhstan girls in their traditional dresses greet the Sri Lankan Leader by custom of the country & 3 Kazakh girls present flowers to the Madam Rajapaksa. The International Airport at Astana had been beautifully decorated with Sri Lankan and Kazakhstan flags.
Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, President’s Secretary Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation H.E. Udayanga Weerathunga who is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Kazakhstan were also present. After the initial welcoming ceremony the President was escorted to the official VIP hall and tea was served for the Sri Lankan delegation. The Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Kazakhstan accompanied President Rajapaksa to the RIXOS President Hotel in Astana the capital city of Kazakhstan, where the Sri Lankan leader was accommodated.
Delegation: Hon. Prof. G L Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, Mrs. Savitri Nelun Peiris, Spouse of the Hon. Minister of External Affairs, Hon. Shaseendra Rajapaksa, Chief Minister, Uva Province, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, Prof. S. D. Jayaratne, Physician to the President, Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. A.S. Khan, Director General/Economic Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Majintha Jayesinghe, Chief of Protocol, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission, Mr. Janaka Rathnayake, Chairman, Export Development Board, Mr. Bashwara Senanka Gunarathna, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Ms. Dayani Mendis, Director/Europe, Ministry of External Affairs.
