Feb 26, Beijing: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa landed in China this morning for a six-day state visit that coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai welcomed the Sri Lanka President and First Lady at the Beijing Capital International Airport. Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Nihal Rodrigo is also pictured.

The Xinhua news agency reported, "President Rajapaksa arrived with a 266-strong entourage that included several Buddhist monks and Cabinet Ministers and representatives of private sector to create opportunities for business in China."

Rajapaksa will meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top officials during his stay.

Today the President presented a five-year-old Sri Lankan elephant, Migara, to the Chinese government as a gift to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The baby elephant is finding a new home at the Beijing Zoo.

The President also visited the Forbidden City and presented a donation of eye corneas to President of the Red Cross Society of China Peng Peiyun. Mrs. Hudson Silva is also in the picture.

(Pix: Sudath Silva)