President Anura Kumara Dissanayake left the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the United States a short while ago, to participate in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The delegation led by the President departed on a Dubai bound flight at around 10:20 p.m.

He is scheduled to leave for New York, on a connecting flight.

Accompanying the President was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Promotion Vijitha Herath, along with several other government officials.

During this visit, President Dissanayake will attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The President will address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (24) at 3:15 p.m., according to the President’s Media Division.

During the visit, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and several world leaders.

The President will also attend a meeting with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in the United States.

Following the U.S. visit, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is also scheduled to depart for Japan on September 27 as part of an official tour.

During the visit, President Dissanayake will have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and he will hold a summit meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

President Dissanayake will address a Business Forum attended by high-level representatives of key Japanese businesses and investors in Tokyo focused on emerging economic opportunities in Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake will also attend “EXPO 2025 Osaka” as a Guest of the Government of Japan on the occasion of Sri Lanka Day at the Expo 2025. The event aims to highlight Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and economic potential before an international audience, the statement said.

According to the statement, the President will also address members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community residing in Japan.

The visit to Japan will further consolidate and deepen the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry added further.