Foreign Minister's visit strengthens Indo-Lanka relations

COLOMBO: During Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogallagama's discussion with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Sri Lanka's request for sanction as per accepted quarantine procedures for the export of varieties of fruit to India, was further advanced.

It was noted that out of 11 varieties under reference, procedures for clearing 2 varieties of fruit had already been completed. The scientific procedures pertaining to the balance 9 would similarly be expeditiously progressed.

In his conversations with former Prime Minister Vajpayee and Leader of the Opposition L. K. Advani, Minister Bogollagama expressed Sri Lanka's appreciation for the strong contribution they had made while in office, towards strengthening Indo-Lanka relations.

Minister Bogollagama's meeting with A. K. Antony, was his first since assuming his current portfolio, with the Indian Defence Minister. Bogollagama therefore made it a point to thank the Indian Government for the valuable training that continues to be imparted to members of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces.

On the second day of his visit, the Foreign Minister met 15 of the European Union envoys who are concurrently accredited to Sri Lanka with residence in New Delhi.

The Minister briefed the envoys of the current developments and the ongoing APC process wherein the Government is resolutely endeavouring to develop a consensus for a negotiated solution based on the values of pluralism, democracy and human rights.

He stressed in this regard the contribution that the international community could make by effectively curbing the LTTE's illicit fund raising and by urging that organisation to make positive use of the window for peace, kept open by the Government.

The envoys appreciated the Minister's commitment for further developing EU-Sri Lanka relations and his initiative of commencing a dialogue with them.

The delegation accompanying the Minister to his meetings in New Delhi included the Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona and the High Commissioner in New Delhi, C. R. Jayasinghe.