MR off to China for Baoa Forum

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will leave for Hainan, China on Wednesday to attend the two-day Baoa Forum, the Asian equivalent of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland.Unlike his previous visit to China, shortly after coming to power, when he had a large delegation with him, the president will be accompanied by a small team to Hainan, sources said.The Baoa Forum brings together government and business leaders from 26 Asian countries and Australia every April in the leisure city of Baoa, on the island of Hainan. As in Davos, participants exchange ideas, discuss business and even make deals.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is on an extended tour of England, Egypt and Morocco, is expected to join the president’s entourage in Hainan after visiting Rabat. (RA)