Shimali Senanayake in Colombo,  Sat Mar  4 20:40:33 EST 2006

    President Mahinda Rajapakse will set off on an official visit to
Pakistan at the end of this month, officials said."Pakistan has always
had close relations with Sri Lanka and this good-will visit will strengthen
our ties," said Zahoor Barlas,spokesman for the Pakisatan high commission in Colombo.

The visit _ starting March 31 _ will be the first to Pakistan since
Rajapakse was elected to office, and his second official tour
overseas.


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- The Academic

Why the following para is included in the news item, instead of the nature of discussions going to be held etc.?

It only encourages other politicians like Bogollagama etc, to look for more luxury places at tax pyers money, whenever they travel out.
Will there be any religious poojas (like in Kerala temple) by the president during this trip?

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Rajapakse is expected to be housed in a hotel that the Saudi Arabia king stayed during his visit, a higher profile venue than where other Sri Lankan state leaders, including former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stayed during her official visit in Pakistan
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Let this not be another circus!  It's a shame for this country the way our delegates follow orders and behave.

lankaputhra wrote:

Why the following para is included in the news item, instead of the nature of discussions going to be held etc.?

It only encourages other politicians like Bogollagama etc, to look for more luxury places at tax pyers money, whenever they travel out.
Will there be any religious poojas (like in Kerala temple) by the president during this trip?

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Rajapakse is expected to be housed in a hotel that the Saudi Arabia king stayed during his visit, a higher profile venue than where other Sri Lankan state leaders, including former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stayed during her official visit in Pakistan
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Saudi king was in Islamabad in February.  When Chandrica can stay there I do not see why Mahina can't.  As stated in the news article Pakistan is a friend of Sri Lanka and as the nvewly elected President it is normal for him to visit Pakistan.  Asking MR to stay in the same hotel indicates the hospitality of the host.  Besides, for security, this is the best place to stay.  As you know, Bush was in Islamabad a day ago after visiting India.

About religious Pujas U R talking about:  May be MR will visit the Buddhist site Takshala which is about 40 KM from Islamabad.
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