US envoy meets Senate leader

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya met US Sen. Richard Lugar last week to discuss the conflict in the North and post-conflict development.

Wickramasuriya briefed Sen. Lugar, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on the state of the conflict against the LTTE in the north, and on prospects for an end to the fighting in the weeks ahead.

Sen. Lugar, a Republican from Indiana, expressed his concern for the safety of civilians held by the LTTE in the conflict zone.

He also expressed his desire that civilians displaced by the fighting return to their homes under a government resettlement effort. Some senators on Sen. Lugar's committee have been critical of the conflict, calling for a ceasefire.

Wickramasuriya briefed Sen. Lugar of the progress Forces have made against the LTTE in recent weeks. He also stressed the care taken to protect displaced citizens.