Visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that his country wants to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

“I look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the government of Bangladesh to strengthen the bilateral relationship to mutually benefit both our nations,” he tweeted before departing Colombo for Dhaka.A red carpet was rolled out as the Sri Lankan premier arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here this morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received him at the airport.

The Sri Lankan premier will join the celebrations marking the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Arrived to a warm welcome & guard of honour at the Hazrat Shahjalal Int. Airport in Dhaka and was received by PM Sheikh Hasina,” Rajapaksha tweeted immediately after arrival in Dhaka.

The Sri Lankan premier further said he is honoured to be part of Bangladesh’s Golden Jubilee independence celebration and look forward to the next two days of festivities and discussion.As part of the programme schedule, Rajapaksa placed a wreath at the National Memorial at Savar. The Sri Lankan premier will join the celebration function at the National Parade Ground at 4.30pm.

He will attend a cultural programme and banquet hosted by Sheikh Hasina at Grand Ball Room at Hotel Intercontinental here at 7.30pm. On Saturday, Rajapaksa will pay homage to Bangabandhu by placing a wreath at his portrait on the premises of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 at 10am.

The Sri Lankan premier will meet his Bangladesh counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office at 10.20 am. After the talks, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the two countries in the presence of the two heads of the government at 11.40 am.

The Sri Lankan prime minister will pay a courtesy call on Bangladesh President M Abdul Hamid at Credential Hall of Bangabhaban at 5pm.