(September 21, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a bilateral meeting this afternoon ( 20th September 2011 ) with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Rajapaksa warmly congratulated President Jonathan on his election and said that, in the situation which has now arisen in Sri Lanka after the eradication of terrorism, there is ample scope to deepen the relationship between Sri Lanka and Nigeria in all sectors. They discussed several areas in which enhanced collaboration would be appropriate.
President Rajapaksa expressed his condolences in respect of the tragedy in Abuja in which there was loss of life in consequence of a wanton act of terrorism.
President Jonathan recalled with pleasure his visit to Sri Lanka in 2008, and expressed his appreciation of the arts and culture of the country, especially the music of Sri Lanka.
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris briefed the President of Nigeria about current developments in Sri Lanka with regard to all aspects of reconciliation in the post-conflict phase. Having emphasized the value of local mechanisms as a means of achieving sustainability of remedies, he referred to the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the President of Sri Lanka. He said that the Commission is due to present its report before 15th November. Minister Peiris stressed the need for Sri Lanka to be afforded the requisite space and time to complete its domestic process in keeping with international law and practice and in accord with national aspirations. He said that the Government would consider in earnest the proposals contained in the report and process the recommendations for implementation. The Minister added that the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to engage the international community, both bilaterally and appropriately in multilateral fora in a spirit of openness and candour with regard to this process, as it has consistently done. .
 President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a bilateral meeting this afternoon ( 20th September 2011 ) with...){kind=link}
Post a Comment