SAARC leaders at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Savar

President Kumaratunga with Bangladeshi Premier Begum Khaleda Zia

President Kumaratunga with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

President Kumaratunga and Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz

President Kumaratunga at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Savar

FROM Eric Fernando and Ranil Wijayapala in Dhaka

THE twice postponed summit of the seven South Asian leaders finally got underway at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Saturday morning.

The security measures were perhaps the 'most stringent experienced thus far', said a senior diplomat who had attended most of the past regional Summits.

The 13th SAARC Summit was different from the previous 12 apex meetings of the region for several reasons, SAARC has completed 20 years of existence, but the leaders seem to agree the forum has lagged behind with not much achieved for the 1.5 billion people it represents.

It was also a homecoming of sorts for SAARC because late President Ziaur Rahman had mooted the idea of regional cooperation in 1980 and first meeting was held in this same city.

This Summit also was the swan song for President Chandrika Bandranaike Kumaratunga who has been a key figure in the region for more than half the period of SAARC's existence.

The other six leaders used the occasion to bid fond farewells to the charismatic Sri Lankan leader at the Summit, the State Banquet and during the several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.

The senior most leader Maldivian President Abdul Gayoom in his address said 'this Summit is the last one where we can call upon the wisdom of President Chandrika Kumaratunga'. He wished her on behalf of the people and the Government of Maldives "continued good health and success in all her future endeavours."

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said: "Our organisation has greatly benefited from President Kumaratunga's wisdom and sagacity over the years. We shall miss her wise counsel and inspiring leadership. We wish her every success in her future endeavour in the service of her country and SAARC'.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia hosted a State Banquet in honour of the visiting Heads of States and Governments on Saturday night. In her banquet speech she paid a glowing tribute to President Kumaratunga.

Zia sounded emotional when she said the people of Bangladesh had a special affection for President Kumaratunga and that her enigmatic leadership will be missed by the entire South Asian region.

Her speech was interrupted by a spontaneous standing ovation, President Kumaratunga could only look on in acknowledgement with her characteristic smile.

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh proposed the vote of thanks at the State Banquet. Dr. Singh paid his and India's eloquent tribute and said Kumaratunga will be remembered for her prudence, consistency and her sincere efforts to bring a lasting and dignified peace to her country.

On Saturday before the Summit's inauguration, the seven leaders were conducted to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where they laid wreaths in honour of the leaders who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the nation. The leaders also gathered at the Sate Guest House 'Jamuna' for the traditional SAARC retreat.