According to sources, it will be the second state visit of a Head of State of Sri Lanka to the US, if President Maithripala Sirisena were to make the tour following the invitation. Former President late J R Jayawardena had made the first state visit to the US in 1982.

The minister further said Secretary of State of the US John Kerry had also agreed to make a visit to Sri Lanka, adding that it would also be a special occasion as a Secretary of State of the US is coming to Sri Lanka after a long time.

"Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera informed the Cabinet of Ministers that he made a successful official visit to the United States on 11th and 12th of this month and during this visit, he held

bilateral discussions with the Secretary of State of the United States John Kerry, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power and several other high ranking officials of

the United States. The minister informed that especially during his talks with the Secretary of State John Kerry informed him that they appreciate the expeditious steps being taken by the new government and that they have a clear understanding about the 100 days programme of the government.

He also stated that during this visit he also got the opportunity of meeting and discussing with the United Nation's Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and during this discussion he focused attention on the friendly relationship that exist between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.

He also stated that he also in writing requested the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights to defer the publication of the report on Human Rights in Sri Lanka which was to be published in the month of March and accordingly the High Commissioner has agreed to defer the publication of the report by six months.