This is the first time that a Sri Lankan head of state has been invited to the G-7 summit.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe warmly welcomed president Sirisena to the occasion.

The Sri Lankan leader was also warmely received by US president Barack Obama, German chancellor Angela Merkel, French president Francois Hollande and British prime minister David Cameron, said the president’s media unit.

They all pledged support to the forward march of Sri Lanka.

Addressing the meeting, president Sirisena said his government wanted to take Sri Lanka to development by opening doors for the best path to peace and prosperity.

He also briefed G-7 leaders on the steps taken to bring about a revolutionary change in governance and to build reconciliation among communities.