President Mahinda Rajapaksa, along with First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa, left last evening (Sep. 21) on a six-day visit to New York during which he will address the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Meanwhile, the President launched a special website to focus on his engagements at the UN. (http://unga.president.gov.lk/en/)

President Rajapaksa will participate in the general debate of the UNGA and is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

In addition to taking part in the UNGA, President Rajapaksa is also scheduled to participate in the 2014 Climate Summit and deliver the national statement on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

The President will also be chairing a meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Meanwhile, the President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with a number of heads of state.

During the week in New York City, the President and First Lady will attend a reception hosted by President and First Lady of the US as well as a reception by the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.