Australian PM to arrive in Sri Lanka this week

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would arrive in Sri Lanka on Thursday following his state visit to Israel, the Prime Minister’ office said in a statement Sunday.

The statement said the Australian Premier, who will arrive in Sri Lanka on his return from Israel, will meet with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for discussions.

Prime Minister Turnbull said this week he will travel to Israel to attend the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba that took place on 31 October 1917.

The Aussie Premier said this year also marks the 70th anniversary of Australia’s bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka, and he is delighted to be able to visit Sri Lanka on his return from Israel.

Mr. Turnbull said he had the pleasure of meeting President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe during their visits to Australia earlier this year.

“I look forward to continuing our discussions on strengthening our economic links, defense engagement, and our work together to combat trans-national crime, particularly people-smuggling,” he said.