FM seeks Thai assistance in rice supply

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday requested Thai assistance in the supply of rice for a buffer stock as well as stepped up exchanges on agricultural co-operation when he called on Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at Government house in Bangkok.

The Foreign Minister is making an official visit to Thailand to promote and strengthen the bilateral relationships.

Bogollagama conveyed to the Thai Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Defence, Sri Lanka's appreciation of the current positive security and intelligence cooperation with Thailand on the basis of bilateral agreement.

At the request of the Thai Prime Minister Bogollagama briefed on the LTTE terrorist organisation and its overseas fund raising and arms procurement and the need for constant vigilance to intercept illegal LTTE movements.

He also briefed on the liberation of the Eastern Province from the clutches of the LTTE and the recent elections which had successfully restored democracy there, after twenty years, with an elected Tamil Chief Minister.

There was a discussion on the ancient cultural links between the two countries which had been nurtured at the highest levels. There was a need to finalise the Cultural Cooperation Agreement early and also the request for the donation of some tusker elephants for ancient viharas in Sri Lanka.