Singaporean FM praises Lanka's development

The massive strides in development made by Sri Lanka amidst various difficulties is most amazing, Singapore Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam said when he called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa for discussions at Temple Trees yesterday.

He said looking at the progress achieved by Sri Lanka within a short period of three years to resettle displaced persons in the North and rebuild those areas subjected to a 30 year conflict the country can be considered as second to none in the developed world.

This proved that Sri Lankans had the ability to resolve and overcome any problem.

The Singaporean Foreign Minister who said that he had visited several parts of the country during the last few days added that he was able to witness the infrastructure development work undertaken in the North and the steps taken for the welfare of its people. He said he also interacted with people in the North and they all expressed confidence in the policy and program of work adopted by the government in their areas.

He said Singapore was prepared to assist Sri Lanka in providing training to its State officials and lend technology and training as regards Commonwealth Games activities.

A press release by the Presidents Media Division said at this meeting special attention was drawn towards improving the production capacity of the Prima Company and obtaining the support of Singaporean investors towards providing facilities for ships at the Magampura Port.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that Sri Lanka possessed developed infrastructure facilities and the economic stability conducive for investment.

External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and other officials were also present at the discussion.