PM in London

by Sujeeva Nivunhella in London
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to arrive in London today for a two-day official visit at the invitation of the British government.

He will be meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Home Secretary David Blunkett and Overseas Development Secretary Baroness Amos.

Premier Wickremesinghe will also address prospective British investors at the London Chamber of Commerce where he will also attend a tea party. He is also due to meet Lord Chancellor Falconer.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peries and Minister of Science and Technology Milinda Moragoda.

Minister Moragoda who attended the International Democrat Union (IDU) in Greece and also launched his book ‘A Warm Heart, a Cool Head and a Deep Breath,’ a collection of speeches made by him, arrived in London on Friday. He met British State Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mike O’Brien and briefed him about the Tokyo donor conference. O’Brien reiterated the support of the British government to Sri Lanka.

Premier Wickremesinghe is expected to stay in Britain for few days after his official engagements.

Minister Lakshman Kiriella is also in London on a private visit.