"My invitation was extended to him in line with our policy to strengthen our relationship with other countries of our region. Sri Lanka is a good friend and an important player in the regional and international spheres," Foreign Adviser Iftekhar A Chowdhury told reporters revealing the Sri Lankan ministers' arrival.

Bogollagama will hold formal talks with Iftekhar. He is likely to be accompanied by Sri Lankan Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Religious Affairs and Moral Upliftment Minister Pandu Bandaranaike, and Minister for Highways TB Ekanayake.

They are also expected to make a joint call on Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.

The visiting ministers will receive Gautam Buddha's hair from the government as a gesture of goodwill to take back to Sri Lanka.