President holds cordial talks with Indian visitors

A High level Indian delegation comprising Indian National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees yesterday (24).

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Indian officials held cordial discussions over lunch on matters of mutual interest to both countries.

During this meeting which lasted for about two hours, President Rajapaksa explained to the Indian visitors the success of the humanitarian operation to rescue the civilians held hostage by the LTTE in the Vanni.

He described how the Security Forces were able to rescue over 106,000 civilians with no harm to any one of them, thus proving wrong foreign commentators who predicted a bloodbath.

He also informed the visitors about the relief and welfare measures taken by the Government to look after the needs of the huge influx of civilians that have crossed over to Government controlled areas.

The Indian side explained to the President the developments in India at present and expressed their concern about civilian welfare while appreciating the measures already taken by the Government to address those concerns.

Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad, Secretary to President Lalith Weeratunga and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa were also present at this meeting.

The Daily News understands that the President has extended an invitation to the Indian visitors to visit the Vanni and observe the progress of the rescue mission and the facilities provided to the incoming civilians.

However, the Indian side expressed their inability to accede to the President’s request on account of time constraints.