Article Posted on : - Jan 20, 2011

Pak Army Chief arrives in Sri Lanka. A Sri Lanka MoD photo

COLOMBO (PTI): Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani arrived Wednesday in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit as Indian Air Force chief wrapped up his official tour of the nation.

General Kayani was accorded a welcome by the Sri Lankan army chief Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the Katunayake international airport here upon his arrival, airport officials said.

His visit was preceded by the visit of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in November 2010.

The Pakistani Army Chief was scheduled to meet Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapksha and External Affairs minister G L Pieris Thursday but both left on a tour to the US Wednesday.

He will meet three forces commanders and defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapksha during his visit, officials said.

General Kayani is also expected to address undergraduates at the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

Meanwhile, the visiting Indian Air Force (IAF) chief P V Naik has concluded his four day visit to island Wednesday.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, he met senior government and defence officials, including President Mahinda Rajapksha.