President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the Tegal Airport in Berlin early hours of this morning (February 16).

Ambassador Jurgen Christian Mertens, Chief of Protcol of the German Government and the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Germany, Karunatilake Amunugama welcomed President Sirisena and Madam Jayanthi Sirisena on arrival at the airport.

During the visit the president will meet the three highest citizens in the Federal republic of Germany, including the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the Bundestag (Speaker) Prof. Dr. Norbert Lamment, and Federal President of Germany Joachim Gauck.

During this visit, the foundation for further strengthening economic and cultural relations will be the main focus. Sri Lanka’s commerce with Germany can improve greatly. According to 2014 stats, Sri Lanka’s exports to Germany amounts only to 4.5 % of the total exports.

Sri Lanka has a positive trade balance with Germany and is one of the few countries to do so.

The President will spend three days in Germany before leaving for Vienna on a 2-day visit to Austria.