European Commissioner for External Relations here today
European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood
Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will be in Sri Lanka today and tomorrow.
The visit coincides with the Commission's preparation of
a post-tsunami reconstruction package for the region, worth $350
million.
The Commissioner will travel to areas affected by the
tsunami and unveil reconstruction plans for Sri Lanka.
She will also discuss the peace process with senior
Government personnel including President Chandrika Bandaranaike
Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Finance Minister Dr.
Sarath Amunugama, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, as well as with
representatives of civil society and other parties to the peace process.
The Commissioner will underline the EU's strong
commitment to Sri Lanka, both as a Co-Chair in the peace process and as
a substantial trading partner and aid donor. She will confirm that she
is proposing to upgrade the Commission's representation in Colombo to a
full EC delegation. |