Web of Life

India and Sri Lanka yesterday discussed prospects of cooperation in defence and fisheries as visiting President Chandrika Kumaratunga briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders on recent developments in the peace process in Sri Lanka.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and resolved to further expand the scope of their cooperation through development projects in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

The Presidential Secretariat said

President Kumaratunga and Premier Singh took up various matters including the much debated Sethusamudram Sea Canal Project.

The Indian Premier said this long term project would take ten to 15 years and was still at its design stage while several more feasibility studies needed to be done.

The Indian Government pledged to keep two Sri Lankan specialists fully informed of all aspects of this proposed sea canal project and any issue that might have adverse effects for Sri Lanka would be resolved in Sri Lanka's favour, Dr. Singh assured adding that India would be willing to discuss any matter at any time.

Premier Singh was keen to know the current status of the Sri Lankan peace process and assured President Kumaratunga India's unreserved support for a negotiated settlement within a united Sri Lanka, the Presidential Secretariat said.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction at the current levels of cooperation in diverse fields. They resolved to further expand the scope of such collaboration in future through various development projects.

Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mangala Moonesinghe were associated with President Kumaratunga. In the discussions that preceded the luncheon Dr. Singh was assisted by External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, Security Advisor J N. Dixit, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, and Joint Secretary Neelam Deo.

India's ruling United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Thursday evening, the Presidential Secretariat said.

The two leaders recalled the warm and friendly ties the Bandaranaikes and the Nehru-Gandhi families have had over several years.

Ms Gandhi then sought details about the current status of the peace initiatives in Sri Lanka.