The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. James Alix Michel, this afternoon welcomed the arrival of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the First Lady of Sri Lanka Shiranthi Rajapaksa to Seychelles for the second time.

President Rajapaksa's visit follows his State Visit to Seychelles last year which, was a historical moment in relations as it formalised a long standing friendship between the two countries. Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Danny Faure and His Excellency Rajatha Piyatissa, the newly accredited resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Seychelles, were present to welcome the Sri Lankan President and is testament to the diplomatic achievement of the two governments and their willingness to work together.

The visit will consolidate the gains made thus far and ensure that both countires remain proactive in their desire to continue to foster good relations.

During his three day official visit, President Rajapaksa will call on President James Michel and the delegations will engage in bilateral discussions. He will also  formally open the offices of the Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lankan Insurance, Mihin Lanka, the Nawaloka Medical centre and the Sri Lankan High Commission in Seychelles.