Sri Lankan Foreign Minister congratulates new Indian External Affairs Minister

(May 27, Colombo, Sri Lnaka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama had a telephone conversation with the new External Affairs Minister of India, S M Krishna, last evening (26th May 2009) to congratulate him personally. This conversation took place after Minister Bogollagama sent a letter of felicitation to his new Indian counterpart.

Minister Bogollagama thanked India for its consistent and substantial support for the welfare of the displaced people in the North. Minister S M Krishna was also briefed on the recent visit to Sri Lanka, of UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon.

Responding to a query by the External Affairs Minister of India, Minister Bogollagama stated that a political solution that would satisfy all communities will be found and reiterated the commitment of the Government to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Minister Bogollagama stressed that efforts are being made to restore democracy and hold elections in the North. He also referred to the 180 day plan formulated to ease the pressure on transit villages for displaced people and resettle them.

Minister Bogollagama recalled his association with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in his previous capacity as the Chief Minister of Karnataka during which time he spearheaded the IT revolution in Bangalore. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister pointed out that if not for terrorism, Sri Lanka could have emulated the success story of Bangalore.

The Ministers agreed that to further promote bilateral relations covering the diverse spheres of common interest, the early convening of the Indo – Lanka Joint Commission is essential. Emphasizing the importance of SAARC, both Ministers agreed to work together to achieve the objectives of SAARC and meet at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss all issues of mutual interest to the two countries.

-Sri Lanka Guardian