Manmohan Singh phones Lankan President to discuss current situation

Colombo, Apr 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has telephoned Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse and ''discussed with him the present situation in the island nation'', top government sources said here today.

The two leaders talked about reports of violence in the restive North-East region, especially in the eastern port city of Trincomalee.

''The Indian Prime Minister has expressed deep concern over the present situation. He condemned the recent escalation of violence and killings and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He said that India would extend fullest cooperation to the peace initiatives by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and to the success of Geneva talks,'' Director of the Government Information Department Anusha Palpitta told UNI over the phone.

At least 13 people, including a soldier, were killed and 40 civilians wounded in a spate of clashes in the eastern port city of Tincomalee district this evening, forcing the police to fire tear gas canisters and impose curfew in the region.

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