27.6.2008

HIGH-PROFILE INDIANS' VISIT A SIGN OF FLOURISHING TIES:

The recent visit of a high profile Indian delegation to Sri Lanka is none other than a manifestation of the flourishing bilateral relations between the two countries, Cabinet spokesman Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Responding to a media query at the weekly cabinet briefing yesterday, the Information and Media Minister said there was no pressure or even a suggestion from the delegation to the Government regarding Sri Lanka's internal issues.

"The statement of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva that the delegates asked the Government to stop military action against the LTTE is totally baseless.

The talks were very cordial and no view or untoward suggestion regarding our internal affairs were expressed at any point," he said.

Pointing out that the Government's action against the LTTE was aimed at liberating the people of the North from terrorism, Minister Yapa said that both countries concurred on the need to address the grievances of the Tamil community through a political solution.

"Our relations with India were never as friendly and favourable as today. It is as a result of these healthy relations that not only political leaders but also top officials of the two countries are holding discussions on a regular basis," he added.

Courtesy - Daily News