“Lanka Rathna” will be conferred on Maldivian President Gayoom

(February 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom accompanied by first lady Nasreena Gayoom , and a delegation of senior Ministers and officials is scheduled to make a State visit to Sri Lanka from 12th to 13th February, 2008, at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to a official statement released by the foreign ministry in Colombo.

“During the visit the Maldivian President will call on the President of Sri Lanka. The two Presidents will conduct bilateral consultations to review and strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will call on the visiting dignitary. Sri Lanka and the Maldives will also conclude two bilateral agreements namely the Agreement on the Transfer of Prisoners and the Agreement on Visa Facilitation,” the statement said.

“Sri Lanka’s highest national honor namely “Lanka Mithra Vibushana” will be conferred on President Gayoom by President Rajapaksa at a special ceremony in recognition of his statesmanship and leadership in the development of the Maldives, the strengthening of Sri Lanka- Maldives relations, the enhancement of regional cooperation in the SAARC as well as his contribution to the global campaign on climate change. President Gayoom completes 30 years of political life in 2008 as the President of the Maldives,” it added.

The President of the Maldives last visited Sri Lanka in August 2006 which was followed by a State visit by President Rajapaksa in February 2007. This close interaction has assisted in taking bilateral cooperation to greater heights as reflected in the recent expansion and diversification of relations for mutual benefit