Archives

by Victor Jayanetti, Our London correspondent

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando emphasised the importance of the LTTE engaging in discussions with the Government of Sri lanka and sorting out their issues of concern at the negotiating table, during his meeting with Ms. Sally Keeble, Member of parliament and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State International Development, in London.

Minister Fernando who is on an official visit to Ireland and the UK met Under Secretary Keeble at her office in Port Callis House in Westminster and briefed her on the latest position on the peace process. He took the opportunity to also explain the extent of the damage caused by the recent floods in Sri Lanka.

Regarding the future of the peace process, the Minister observed that he is cautiously optimistic that the talks will resume, as the people of the country are war weary. Minister Fernando acknowledged the efforts by the international community to recommence the dialogue between the two parties. Under Secretary Keeble pledged their continued support in this regard.

Referring to the flood situation, Minister Fernando explained in detail the latest position and thanked the British government for their prompt and magnanimous gesture in extending financial assistance of over 200,000. Pounds for relief work. The Foreign Minister appealed for participation at the highest level by the British government in the forthcoming Tokyo conference.

In conclusion Minister Fernando conveyed an invitation to the new Secretary of State for International Development of the UK, Baroness Amos, to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

Later in the day the Foreign Minister Fernando was interviewed live by the BBC World Service for the East Asia Today programme and for BBC 24 News on several current issues pertaining to Sri Lanka including the peace process.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager