GL briefs EP team on development

Three Members of the European Parliament's (MEP) Delegation for Relations with Countries of South Asia called on External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris on Monday at the ministry.

The delegation discussed with the minister issues of interest to the European Parliament, including the follow up and implementation of the recommendations in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report.

The minister briefed the delegation on developments in this regard and work undertaken by the government in the North and East which has contributed to the economic empowerment of the people.

Other issues of bilateral interest to Sri Lanka and the EU, such as, trade relations, human rights, fisheries and climate change were also discussed.

The EP delegation will also travel to the Eastern Province, where they are scheduled to meet the Eastern Province governor and examine EU funded projects.

They will also call on the Speaker and the Leader of the House, President of the Sri Lanka-EU Parliamentary Friendship Association, Economic Development Minister, SLMC leader, Opposition leader and Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary.

The delegation will be hosted to dinner by External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera.

The visiting MEPs include Jean Lambert of UK (Greens Party/UK) Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Countries of South Asia and head of the delegation to Sri Lanka, Fernando Lopez Aguilar (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats/Spain) and Ms. Inese Vaidere (European People's Party/Latvia).

The visit is a follow up to the visit from the delegation in February 2011.