Blair interrupts holiday to meet President Rajapaksa

The entire discussion was conducted in a very warm manner - Dr. Palitha Kohona

ENGLAND: President Mahinda Rajapaksa met British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his country residence Chequers yesterday.

Chequers has been historically occupied by British Prime Ministers as their holiday residence.

Blair interrupted his holiday to meet President Rajapaksa.

The two leaders spent considerable time with each other. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations, the ethnic conflict and international issues. The meeting was very warm and friendly.

Later on, the meeting was expanded to include Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and senior officials including President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Peace Secretariat Chief Dr. Palitha Kohona and Coordinating Secretary to the President Sajin Vaas Gunewardena.

The President had a productive discussion with Prime Minister Blair, said Dr Kohona.

"It was a significant meeting because Blair made time available during his holiday to meet the President," Dr Kohona told BBC Sinhala.

"The entire discussion was conducted in a very warm manner. There was extreme understanding of the situation in Sri Lanka," Dr Kohona said.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman at Blair's office told the BBC that the two leaders discussed the political situation in Sri Lanka and general global issues.

Asked if the British government agreed to assist Sri Lanka solve the present conflict, Dr Kohona said he was unable to disclose what was discussed.

But he said Sri Lanka and Britain have had a very close historical relationship and this relationship is the basis on which any assistance provided to Sri Lanka will be provided.

"The two Governments will continue to discuss and co-operate on these matters," he added.