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| Thursday, 30 December 2004 |
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President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga received Michel Barnier, the External Affairs Minister of France yesterday evening at the President's House. Mr. Barnier conveyed to the President the condolence of President Jacques Chirac and the people of France. He said France and the other European Union nations were shocked and deeply saddened by the enormous loss of life and property in the aftermath of the havoc wrought by the unexpected natural disaster. He also mentioned that France would be prepared to do anything to assist Sri Lanka at this time of anguish. Barnier is on a visit to the Tsunami-hit Asian region to meet the Heads of States at the request of President Jacques Chirac to survey the disaster stricken areas so France could provide all possible assistance. France has already responded to President Kumaratunga's appeal with a team of 100 highly trained rescue workers. They arrived on Monday with food and other supplies to assist the Sri Lankan authorities in their relief operations. President Kumaratunga thanked Minister Barnier for the solidarity shown by his Government and the people of France. She conveyed the gratitude of the people of Sri Lanka for the assistance already extended by France which was one of the first countries to respond her request, the Presidential Secretariat said. Michel Barnier is also the European Commissioner responsible for regional policy. He has held the portfolio of environment in the Government of France from 1973 to 1995 and is an expert on natural disaster management. He said that France will assist Sri Lanka in disaster preparedness and management and assured Sri Lanka will in future benefit from the 'early warning system' set up by the EU. Barnier requested Sri Lankan President to make available a concept paper about the proposed Disaster Preparedness Centre in Sri Lanka, such a centre will be equipped with a sophisticated early warning system. President Kumaratunga said that she has discussed with other South Asian leaders the need to establish a common hub which will be linked to individual domestic systems. Barnier said he would advice and inform the French and EU authorities to send a group of experts to the region for feasibility study on his return to Paris. President briefed the French External Affairs Minister of the ongoing relief measures and the arrangements made to assist the foreign tourists who were victims of Sunday's tragedy. Ambassador of France for Sri Lanka Jean-Bernard De Vaivre, Secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratne and Additional Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Ms. Pamela Dean were associated with the President at yesterday's meeting. |
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