Subsequently, the Emir was welcomed at the Presidential Secretariat by President Sirisena. On arrival at the Secretariat, the Emir was given a grand reception with a Guard of Honour and 21 gun salute.

During bilateral discussions held between President Maithripala Sirisena and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad at the Presidential Secretariat, the latter expressed his government's willingness to to assist the Sri Lankan government's efforts to solve the problem of drinking water in the North and Eastern provinces.

Responding to a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to increase the Qatar government's investments in Sri Lanka, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani said, they are looking at it seriously and steps will be taken to improve the mechanism for investment promotion in Sri Lanka.

The bilateral meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. External Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, ministers and representatives of Qatar government were present.

Three bilateral agreements were signed in the presence of President Sirisena and the Emir of Qatar at this bilateral meeting. They include the facilitation of training opportunities for youth, sports activities and media promotion.

Sheikh Tamim agreed to send a ministerial delegation from Qatar to Sri Lanka to look into drinking water problems in the two provinces. He said the government of Qatar is interested in the efforts of oil and natural explorations in Sri Lanka and agreed to send a team of Qatar government representatives to look into oil explorations in the Mannar Basin.

President Sirisena also urged the Emir of Qatar to take welfare measures for the benefit of over 125,000 Sri Lankans employed in Doha-Qatar.

(Pics : Neth FM)