India ready to help reconstruct North

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila told Parliament yesterday the Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, expressed India's readiness to participate in the reconstruction of Northern Sri Lanka so as to overcome the ravages of armed conflict and also lay the economic and political foundation for a sustainable peace in which all communities in Sri Lanka feel comfortable.

The Indian External Affairs Minister in his discussion with the President also stressed the India will work together with Sri Lanka on a reconstruction plan for these areas which involves infrastructure development and other support.

The Indian Minister held detailed and productive discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.

The discussions held at President's House covered recent developments in Sri Lanka, India-Sri Lanka relations and regional issues of mutual interest. It was agreed that India-Sri Lanka relations are developing strongly and has matured into an abiding friendship.

President Rajapaksa expressed his hopes for future development assistance in Sri Lanka, and stressed that the present military victories offered political opportunity to restore normal life in the Northern Province and throughout the country, he said.

The President assured the visiting Indian Minister of his intent for both countries to work together to enable Sri Lankans, and particularly the Tamil community in the North, to begin leading normal life as soon as possible.

During the discussion, both sides agreed that an early restoration of democratic life in the areas affected by the conflict would be a major contribution to peace and stability.

The Deputy Foreign Minister was responding to an oral question raised by JVP MP Pemasiri Manage on the recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister to Sri Lanka.