The Indian Prime Minister who was engaged in a telephone conversation with President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday morning said arrangements are now in place to accord a grand welcome to President Sirisena and his delegation on their arrival in India for the official tour, which will provide a new approach to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity during the conversation to convey to President Sirisena his personal greetings and good wishes to the Sri Lanka cricket team participating in the 2015 World Cup. He also hoped that Sri Lanka would be able to repeat its 1996 performance by winning the World Cup this time too.

President Maithripala Sirisena conveyed his best wishes to the Indian Cricket team participating in the World Cup.

A press release by the President's Media Division stated President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an official tour of India from February 15 to 18 on the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During this tour President Sirisena is due to meet Indian President Pranab Mukerjee and hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Sirisena is also due to meet leaders of Indian Political parties and other VIPs.

President Sirisena will also visit the Buddha Gaya Viharaya and Tirupathi Kovil and participate in religious observances.

This is the first official foreign tour undertaken by President Sirisena since his election as the Executive President of Sri Lanka. (Daily News)