Comments do not reflect Govt's views - Foreign Minister

Press reports on comments on the conduct of the envoys of two friendly countries attributed to Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike do not reflect the Sri Lankan Government's views, Foreign Affairs, Ports, and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

COLOMBO: Press reports on comments on the conduct of the envoys of two friendly countries attributed to Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike do not reflect the Sri Lankan Government's views, Foreign Affairs, Ports, and Aviation Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

The Minister in a release said yesterday: "Sri Lanka enjoys close and friendly ties with both India and Pakistan and the envoys mentioned have contributed immensely towards further consolidation of these ties.

The Government of Sri Lanka is also deeply appreciative of the pro-active role of High Commissioner Nirupama Rao in further enhancing Indo-Sri Lanka relations upon taking up her appointment in Sri Lanka.

Since the assumption of office by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the face of many challenges, India continued to support Sri Lanka's efforts to achieve peace and security while preserving the country's territorial integrity and this should be appreciated by all right-minded Sri Lankans."