President Joko Widodo Arrives in Sri Lanka

Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, with a delegation of 50 members, on a two-day official visit.

Jakarta, MINA – President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana, along with their entourage, landed at the Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka for a state visit, Wednesday, Antara News reported.

Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin stated in a press release that after a flight journey lasting four hours and 10 minutes aboard the Presidential Jet Indonesia-1, the president and his entourage arrived at 12:05 p.m. local time.

Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka I Gusti Ngurah Ardiyasa and Head of State Protocol of Sri Lanka Hasan Rizvi welcomed the president and first lady on descending the aircraft stairway.

Sri Lankan foreign minister greeted the president and first lady by offering betel leaves, flower necklaces, and bouquets.

The first lady then handed out souvenirs to a Sri Lankan boy and girl as an expression of her gratitude.

The president and first lady then walked through an honorary human barrier, followed by an introduction to several Sri Lankan officials by the head of the country`s protocol.

Before leaving the airport, President Widodo signed a Golden Book that had been prepared earlier.

The president and first lady then continued their journey and headed to the place where they would be staying overnight in Colombo. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)