Liberal leaders leave for Manila

Liberal Party Leader Kamal Nissanka, President Swarna Amaratunga, Vice President Dr Newton Pieris, International Affairs Secretary Prof Rajiva Wijesinha, MP and Youth League president Seliyna Pieris left for Philippines yesterday to participate in the 57th Congress of the Liberal International to be held in Manila. The congress began yesterday and ends on June 21.

Delegates from Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia are participating. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva and Philippines President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will also participate.

Many parliamentarians from Europe and other countries are participating in the Congress.

The two themes to be discussed are democracy and development and Human Rights and Trade.

The executive committee of the Council of Asian Liberal and Democrats would be held after the LI Congress under the chairmanship of Prof Wijesinha.