President Maithripala Sirisena left the country on Monday morning aboard a Germany-bound Qatar Airways flight on a week-long tour.

President Sirisena will also be visiting Austria during the week. His visit to Deutschland was on an invitation extended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The invitation also made President Sirisena the first Sri Lankan Head of State to be extended an invitation to Germany in 43 years.

A special ceremony is set to be held on Wednesday February 17, to welcome the president. Following the ceremony, the president is scheduled to tour the German Parliament where he will meet with its high profile representatives.

During his visit, President Sirisena will also hold bilateral discussions several key figures of the German government. After concluding the three-day visit to Germany, the President will leave for Austria on February 19  for a two-day visit.

President Sirisena is set to meet with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, and hold bilateral talks with several government representatives.