All countries should support Iran -minister Ranawaka

Western countries have no right to impose sanctions on Iran on the basis of its nuclear programme. All countries should come forward to support Iran which is developing its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes, said Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Minister Ranawaka expressed these sentiments during bi-lateral discussions held with Iranian ambassador Dr M N Hasani Poor at the Ministry office yesterday. The progress achieved by the 1000 electricity supply schemes launched under Iranian aid was discussed during this meeting.

Minister Ranawaka thanked Iran for the assistance granted towards Sri Lanka's development effort over the years and said Western nations led by United States had been levelling false accusations against Iran's nuclear programme saying it is intended for military proposes in order to destroy its economy.

When Minister Ranawaka pointed out that some of the electricity schemes launched under Iranian aid seem to be proceeding at a slow pace the Iranian ambassador promised to look into the matter and accelerate their implementation. The Iranian ambassador also assured that Iran would continue to invest in the development of the power sector in Sri Lanka said a press release issued by the Power and Energy Ministry yesterday.