Oct 21, Dubai: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Dubai on Sunday to participate in the World Energy Forum 2012.

The President accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was welcomed by the Sri Lankan Ambassador to UAE Sarath Wijesinghe, and Consul General of Dubai M. Abdul Raheem at the Dubai International Airport.

The high-level international conference on energy will be held from October 22-24, 2012 at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for all, and as an Energy Access Campaign platform, world leaders from governments and private sector institutions from the United Nations Member States will be gathering in Dubai on Monday.

Sri Lankan President is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on national and international energy policies and sustainable development at the World Energy Forum 2012 under the theme 'A Forum for World Leaders' on Monday.

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will host a gala dinner for the attendees on Monday.

Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardena, Member of the Western Provincial Council Naufer Fowsi, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga also accompanied the President.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)