Sri Lankan President in Pakistan

The Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, was due in Pakistan on a state visit today.

Planning of the visit was conducted in secret because of security concerns, and no details of her itinerary have been released.

Ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan have traditionally been close.

Correspondents say President Kumaratunga is likely to invite Pakistani investors to become more involved in the Sri Lankan textile and garment industries, the country's highest foreign exchange earner.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service