The President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The official reception marks the beginning of President Lam’s state visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.
Escorted by the Police Mounted Division, the Vietnamese leader was received with full state honours, including the playing of national anthems and a ceremonial gun salute.
The two heads of state inspected the Tri‑forces Guard of Honour before being introduced to the Sri Lanka–Vietnam delegations.
Senior Sri Lankan ministers and officials were present at the occasion, including Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath; Labour Minister and State Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Pranandu; Science and Technology Minister Krishantha Abeysena; Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi; Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala; Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka; Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha; and Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraaja. (Newswire)
