Off to Myanmar today:

President's first visit abroad after defeating terrorism

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's State visit to Myanmar today June 14 is very significant as this is his first visit abroad since he defeated the world's most ruthless terrorist organisation the LTTE and stabilised democracy in Sri Lanka according to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Newton Gunaratna.

Ambassador Gunaratna in a statement to mark the official visit of President Rajapaksa to Myanmar today further states Myanmar and Sri Lanka are closely linked through religious and cultural heritage of the two nations. The recorded history of both countries date back to over 2000 years and the principles of Therawada Buddhism have been the beacon light that has guided and inspired the people throughout the ages.

Both countries were under the rule of British Imperialists for more than a century and coincidently, both countries achieved independence in the same year, 1948 - the Union of Myanmar on January 4 and Sri Lanka just one month later on February 4.

The completion of 60 years of Diplomatic Relations between the two nations falls on June 2009.

To commemorate this important milestone, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has accepted the cordial invitation from the Head of the State of Myanmar and is visiting Myanmar, today.

This landmark visit has monumental significance as President Rajapaksa, having defeated the world's most ruthless terrorist organisation, LTTE and liberated the unitary State of Sri Lanka, will be making this his first visit overseas, further strengthening the close ties between the two nations.

It is a great blessing for President Rajapaksa to visit Myanmar, the Suwannabhoomy where the hair relics of not only Gauthama Buddha but also of three previous Buddhas, Kakusanda, Konagama and Kasyapa are enshrined. This will undoubtedly cement the long relationship, mutual understanding and respect that unite the two great nations.