List of international presidential trips made by Maithripala Sirisena

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This is a list of international presidential trips made by Maithripala Sirisena, who served as the 7th President of Sri Lanka from 9 January 2015 to 18 November 2019.

Summary of International Trips[edit]

During his term, Maithripala Sirisena made 47 foreign trips to 29 countries. Sirisena never visited South America.

Map of international trips made by Maithripala Sirisena as president:
  1 visit
  2 visits
  3 visits
  4 visits
  6 visits
  Sri Lanka
No. of visits Country
6 India
4 United States
3 Japan, Thailand, United Kingdom
2 China, Pakistan, Singapore
1 Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Germany, Georgia, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Maldives, Malta, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, South Korea, Tajikistan, Vatican City

2015[edit]

Maithripala Sirisena made 10 trips to 10 countries in the year 2015.

Sirisena in New Delhi with Narendra Modi, February 2015
Meeting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the 70th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly, September 2015
Country Areas visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 India New Delhi 15–18 February State visit The first overseas visit made by President Maitripala Sirisena, on the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[1]
 United Kingdom London 7–11 March Official visit Visited the UK as Chair in Office of the Commonwealth as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations. Met with Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron, Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband and Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.[2]
 China Beijing
Boao
26–29 March Asia Annual Conference and state visit President Maithripala Sirisena visited China on the invitation of President of China Xi Jinping. President Sirisena also participated in the 2015 Asia Annual Conference in Boao.[3]
 Pakistan Islamabad
Taxila Museum
5–7 April State visit At the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Maithripala Sirisena paid a State visit to Pakistan. Sirisena visited the Taxila Museum, which hosts many statues of Buddha.[4]
 Maldives Malé 26–27 July State visit At the invitation of President Abdulla Yameen, President Sirisena was invited as chief guest of the 50th National Independence Day ceremony of the Maldives.[5][6]
 United States New York City 10–23 September United Nations General Assembly and bilateral meetings To attend the 70th United Nations General Assembly session, where he delivered a special address. Sirisena also held bilateral meetings with several leaders including Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key and Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull.[7][8]
 Thailand Bangkok 1–4 November State visit At the invitation of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
 Malta Valletta 27–29 November Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2015 Attended the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
 France Paris 29 November–1 December 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference Attended the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.[9]
 Vatican Vatican City 13–16 December State visit At the invitation of Sovereign Pope Francis.[10][11]

2016[edit]

Maithripala Sirisena made 12 trips to 9 countries during the year 2016.

John Kerry meets Sirisena at the United Nations, New York City, in September 2016
Country Areas visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 Germany Berlin 15–18 February State visit At the invitation of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Met with the President of Germany Joachim Gauck to further strengthen the economic and trade co-operation between the two countries. Sirisena visited the German Parliament and met with representatives of the Parliament and held bilateral discussions with the German Foreign Minister and the Minister of German Economic Affairs.[12]
 Austria Vienna 18–21 February State visit Held talks with the Federal President Heinz Fischer at the Hofburg at the Presidential Palace, improving relations between the two countries.[13][14]
 Singapore Singapore 27 February Private visit To visit Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who was receiving medical treatment.[15]
 United Kingdom London 11–13 May London Anti-Corruption Summit Attend the Anti-Corruption Summit organised by the British government, at the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameron.[16][17][18] Held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Cameron during the summit.[19]
 India New Delhi
Madhya Pradesh
13–15 May State visit Invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend and address the valedictory session at the Vaicharick Mahakumbh, held as part of the Simhastha Mahakumbh in Ujjain. Held discussions on issues of Tamil Nadu fishermen with Prime Minister Modi, as well as talks on reconciliation in Sri Lanka and trade.[16][17][18] Sirisena also visited the Sanchi Stupa and attend a function by the Maha Bodhi Society of Sri Lanka where he unveiled a statue of Anagarika Dharmapala.[20][21]
 Japan Kashiko Island, Shima, Mie Prefecture 26–27 May Group of Seven (G7) Invited by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Sirisena attended the summit in Japan.[22][23] He also met with US president Barack Obama and other G7 leaders.
 United States New York City 18–26 September United Nations General Assembly & bilateral meetings To attend the 71st United Nations General Assembly session, where he delivered a special address. Sirisena had bilateral meetings with several leaders including United States Secretary of State John Kerry and Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull[24][25][26]
 Thailand Bangkok 7–10 October Asia Corporation Dialogue Summit Attend the 34 nation summit. Apart from attending the conference, President Sirisena held several bilateral meetings with state leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.[27][28][29]
 India Goa 15–17 October BRICS Invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend and address the attend the BRICS- BIMSTEC outreach summit. Held talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi as well as the presidents of Russia and China.[30]
 Thailand Bangkok 31 October Funeral of Bhumibol Adulyadej Attend the Funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, and pay respects on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.[31]
 India New Delhi 6–7 November World Health Organization Conference of Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.[32][33]
 Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 15–17 December State visit Held talks with the Prime Minister Najib Razak, improving relations between the two countries by signing several bilateral MOUs. Also met with King of Malaysia Muhammad V of Kelantan.[34][35][36]

2017[edit]

Maithripala Sirisena made 7 trips to 7 countries in the year 2017.

Sirisena at a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow
Meeting Dmitry Medvedev during Sirisena's visit to Russia
Meeting with Malcolm Turnbull in Jakarta
Country Areas visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 Indonesia Jakarta 6–8 March State visit At the invitation of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo and to attend the 20th Anniversary Summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
 Russia Moscow 21–26 March State visit On the invitation extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was the first visit to Russia by a Sri Lankan President.[37]
 Australia Canberra 23–26 May State visit Special invitation extended by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.[38]
 Bangladesh Dhaka 13–15 July State visit President Sirisena was invited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for an official 3 day visit.[39]
 United States New York City 17–23 September United Nations General Assembly & bilateral meetings To attend the Seventy-second session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he delivered a special address. Sirisena also held bilateral meetings with several leaders.[40]
 Qatar Doha 25–27 October State visit Invited by Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for an official 2 day visit.[41]
 South Korea Seoul 27–30 November State visit President Sirisena was invited by Korean President Moon Jae-in for a state visit.

2018[edit]

Maithripala Sirisena made 10 trips to 10 countries in 2018.

Country Areas visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 India New Delhi 10–12 March International Solar Alliance Participated in the International Solar Alliance on the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French president Emmanuel Macron.[42][43]
 Japan Tokyo
Hiroshima
12–15 March State visit Sirisena met with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and held bilateral discussions with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.[44][45][46][47]
 Pakistan Islamabad 22–24 March State visit To attend the Pakistan Republic Day celebrations as chief guest on an invitation extended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.[48][49]
 United Kingdom London 16–23 April Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 To attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018. President Sirisena met with the UK's Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox, member of the British House of Lords Lord Baron Naseby.[50][51]
 Iran Tehran 12–14 May State visit On invitation of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, whom he met as well as Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.[52][53][54]
 Italy Rome 15–17 July Committee on Forestry To attend the 24th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) and the 6th World Forest Week.[55]
 Georgia Tbilisi 17–20 July Open Government Partnership To attend the 5th Session of Open Government Partnership. President Sirisena also held a bilateral meeting with the Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili.[56]
   Nepal Kathmandu
Lumbini
29 August–1 September BIMSTEC To attend the 4th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The President also met with the leaders of Nepal and Myanmar.[57][58]
 United States New York City 23–29 September United Nations General Assembly & bilateral meetings To address to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed.[59][60][61][62]
 Seychelles Victoria 8–10 October State visit Official visit on the invitation of Seychelles President Danny Faure.[63]

2019[edit]

Maithripala Sirisena made 8 trips to 8 countries in the year 2019.

Country Areas visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 Philippines Metro Manila
Los Baños
15–19 January State visit State visit to discuss bilateral relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, agriculture, cultural and people-to-people engagement with his Philippine counterpart, President Rodrigo Duterte. Sirisena also visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños.[64]
 Singapore Singapore 23–25 January 3rd Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific To deliver the Keynote address at the Third Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific. Also held bilateral discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Singapore.[65][66]
 Kenya Nairobi 13–17 March United Nations Environment Assembly To attend the United Nations Environment Assembly. President Sirisena also meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta.[67][68]
 China Beijing 13–15 May Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations To attend the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. President Sirisena also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.[69][70]
 India New Delhi 30–31 May Inauguration of Narendra Modi To attend the inauguration ceremony of the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[71][72]
 Tajikistan Dushanbe 13–15 June 2019 Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia To attend the 2019 Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. President Sirisena had bilateral meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and delivered a special lecture at the heads of state conference on 15 June.[73][74]
 Cambodia Phnom Penh
Angkor
7–10 August State visit On the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, with the aim of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Met with Prime Minister Hun Sen as well.[75][76]
 Japan Tokyo 21–23 October Enthronement of Japanese emperor To attend the enthronement of the new Japanese emperor. President Sirisena also had a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.[77][78]

Cancelled visits[edit]

Country Areas that were to be visited Date(s) Purpose(s) Notes
 Pakistan Islamabad November 2016 SAARC Summit Summit cancelled.
 Iran Tehran November/December 2016, January 2017 State visit Visit cancelled. The two presidents met during the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Bangkok.[79][80][37]
 Bangladesh Dhaka 26 March 2017 State visit Visit cancelled.[citation needed] Sirisena was invited to be the chief guest at the country's Independence Day celebrations.[37]

Multilateral meetings participated in by Sirisena[edit]

Group Year
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
ACD none 8–10 October,
Bangkok
none 2018,
Tehran
none
CHOGM 27–29 November,
Birgu
none none 19–20 April,
London
none
G-15 2015,
Tokyo
none none none none
NAM none TBA 2016,
Venezuela
none none none
SCO 14–15 December,
Zhengzhou
TBA 2016,
Bishkek
none none none
SAARC none September 2016,
Islamabad
none none none
Others UN Climate Change
30 November,
Paris
G7 summit
26–27 May
none
London
Anti-Corruption Summit

11–13 May
██ = Did not attend; ██ = Future event


See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "India media back Colombo's efforts to boost ties with Delhi". BBC News. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Sri Lanka president Sirisena pledges war crimes inquiry". BBC News. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  3. ^ "President Sirisena Visit to China". President of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  4. ^ "President Sirisena Visit to Pakistan". The Official News Portal of Government of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  5. ^ Dalima, Bella (25 July 2015). "President Maithripala Sirisena to leave for Maldives". Sri Lanka: Newsfirst. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  6. ^ "President participates in Independence Day celebrations of Maldives". president.gov.lk. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  7. ^ "President leaves for New York". Dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  8. ^ Ramakrishnan, T. (23 September 2015). "Sirisena leaves for New York for UN meet". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  9. ^ "Sri Lankan President to leave for Paris to attend Climate Change summit". ColomboPage. 28 November 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  10. ^ "President Leaves for Vatican". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  11. ^ "President returns after successful visit to Vatican". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  12. ^ "President left for Germany". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  13. ^ "President arrives in Austria". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  14. ^ "President returns after successful visits to Germany & Austria". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  15. ^ Kapila, T.K.G. "MS visits Rajitha in Singapore". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  16. ^ a b "Sri Lankan President to attend Anti-Corruption Summit in London". ColomboPage. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  17. ^ a b "Sri Lankan president to visit India, Britain". The Siasat Daily. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  18. ^ a b "Lankan Prez to attend Anti-Corruption Summit in London". Business Standard India. Business Standard. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  19. ^ "British Premier commends Lanka's commitment for corruption free good governance". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  20. ^ "Modi discusses fishermen issue with Maithri". Dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  21. ^ "President meets Indian Premier". Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  22. ^ "President's invitation to attend G7 summit is a remarkable recognition for Sri Lanka – Minister". ColomboPage. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  23. ^ "Japan's invitation to President for G7 summit a great honour to SL". Daily News. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  24. ^ "President arrives in NY amidst tight security". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  25. ^ "President returns". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  26. ^ "President Sirisena to meet John Kerry". Telo. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  27. ^ "President Sirisena leaves for Thailand". Ada Derana. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  28. ^ "President leaves for Thailand to attend Asia Cooperation Dialogue". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  29. ^ "President back from Thailand". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  30. ^ "Security stepped up at airport ahead of Sirisena's visit". The Hindu. 17 October 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  31. ^ "President pays last respects to King Bhumibol". Ada Derana. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  32. ^ "President leaves for New Delhi". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  33. ^ Fernando, Tharushan (6 November 2016). "President Sirisena leaves for India – special speaker at convention on tobacco control". News 1st. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  34. ^ "President leaves for Malaysia". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  35. ^ "President Sirisena Leaves For Malaysia". Asian Mirror. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  36. ^ "President meets Malaysian King". President of Sri Lanka. Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  37. ^ a b c "President scraps Iran visit, no reasons given". Sunday Times. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  38. ^ "President Sirisena to leave for Australia". 23 May 2017.
  39. ^ "Sri Lankan president in town, to meet PM Hasina today | Dhaka Tribune". 14 July 2017.
  40. ^ "72nd UNGA regular session to commence tomorrow".
  41. ^ "President Sirisena Leaves For Two-Day Official Visit To Qatar: Hopes To Sign Three Agreements". www.asianmirror.lk. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017.
  42. ^ "President leaves for Delhi to attend International Solar Alliance". PMDNews. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  43. ^ "President meets with Indian Prime Minister & Executive Director of UN Environment Programme". PMDNews. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  44. ^ "President visits Japan to further strengthen Japan- Sri Lanka ties". PMDNews. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  45. ^ "Japan and Sri Lanka agree to promote maritime security cooperation". The Japan Times Online. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  46. ^ "Japanese–Sri Lankan state leaders agree to strengthen bilateral ties". PMD News. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  47. ^ "President visits Hiroshima". President's Media Division. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  48. ^ "President Sirisena, chief guest at Pakistan Republic Day". President's Media Division. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  49. ^ "President as Chief Guest at the Pakistan Republic Day celebrations". President's Media Division. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  50. ^ "President arrives in London to participate in CHOGM". President's Media Division. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  51. ^ "President Maithripala Sirisena to return to Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  52. ^ "President left for Iran". pmdnews.lk. Presidential Media Division. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  53. ^ "Iran-Sri Lanka leaders meet". President's Media Division. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  54. ^ "President meets Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei". President's Media Division. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  55. ^ "President arrived in Rome to attend 24th session of the Committee on Forestry & 6th World Forest Week". President's Media Division. 15 July 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  56. ^ "President arrives in Georgia to attend the Open Government Partnership Summit". President's Media Division. 17 July 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  57. ^ "President leaves for Nepal to attend 4th BIMSTEC Summit". PMDNews. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  58. ^ "Warm welcome for President in Nepal". President's Media Division. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  59. ^ "President to address UNGA this week for the fourth consecutive time". President's Media Division. 22 September 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  60. ^ "President arrives in New York to address UN General Assembly". President's Media Division. 23 September 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  61. ^ "Malaysia – Sri Lanka to strengthen ties". President's Media Division. 26 September 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  62. ^ "Sri Lanka's reconciliation and human rights vastly improved - Commonwealth Secretary General". President's Media Division. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  63. ^ "president-commences-official-visit-to-seychelles". President's Media Division. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  64. ^ Geducos, Argyll (15 January 2019). "Sri Lankan president arrives today for five-day state visit". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  65. ^ News, P. M. D. (23 January 2019). "President leaves for Singapore to deliver Keynote address at the Third Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  66. ^ News, P. M. D. (24 January 2019). "President meets Singaporean President". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  67. ^ "Grand welcome for President at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport". President's Media Division. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  68. ^ "Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan President arrives in Kenya to participate in UN Environment Assembly". www.colombopage.com. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  69. ^ "President will enter into 3 significant agreements with China on national security & development". President's Media Division. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  70. ^ "Sri Lanka : China assures assistance to eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka". www.colombopage.com. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  71. ^ News, P. M. D. (30 May 2019). "President arrives in New Delhi". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  72. ^ "President meets Indian PM - Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  73. ^ "President in Tajikistan to participate in CICA conference". Daily News. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  74. ^ "President calls on Asian nations not to allow outside powers to suppress power of Asia". President's Media Division. 15 June 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  75. ^ News, P. M. D. (7 August 2019). "President commenced state visit to Cambodia". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  76. ^ "Sri Lankan President to visit Kingdom". Khmer Times. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  77. ^ News, P. M. D. (24 October 2019). "President Sirisena attends Emperor's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  78. ^ "President arrived at Narita International Airport, Tokyo". President's Media Division. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  79. ^ "President to visit Iran in Dec". Daily Mirror. Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  80. ^ "President Sirisena To Visit Iran in November". Asian Mirror. Retrieved 4 February 2017.

External links[edit]

Official