President Maithreepala Sirisena will be leaving for Australia on a three day official visit today (23/05). The visit marks the first President of Sri Lanka visit to Australia upon official invitation. The president is visiting upon a special invitation by the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Previously former Prime minister Sir John Kotalawala, engaged in an official visit in 1954. This visit was considered official as the Queen of England was considered the state leader of Sri Lanka during this era. Accordingly, no state leader of Sri Lanka had previously received invitation by the Austalian government following independence.Share
