Colombo - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on a goodwill mission to the subcontinent, arrived in Colombo Thursday for a short visit aimed at boosting political and technical ties with Sri Lanka, officials said.

Abbas was welcomed by his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on arrival at the Bandaranaike International airport Thursday afternoon.

He is scheduled to hold talks with the president, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe before he leaves the country on Friday evening.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malik also arrived in Sri Lanka for talks.

The two countries are to sign an agreement on technical co-operation and practical training during the visit.

Earlier Thursday, Abbas wrapped up a four-day visit to India, which announced it would provide 20 million dollars in assistance for the Palestinian Authority as a budgetary support and for developmental projects. (dpa)