India, Sri Lanka discuss early conclusion of CEPA

New Delhi, May 9: India and Sri Lanka today discussed the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the progress on the grant of concessional credits to Sri Lanka for a number of infrastructural projects.

Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed called on visiting Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera here and discussed various aspects of India-Sri Lanka relations.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister briefed the Indian side on the latest developments in the peace process and also expressed Colombo's readiness to participate in the second round of talks at the earliest date possible.

The two sides discussed various aspects of India-Sri Lanka relations.

''The discussions also covered other aspects of bilateral relations including the possibilities of early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement...Other ongoing programmes between the two countries were also discussed.

Mr Mangala Samaraweera extended an invitation to Mr Ahamed to visit Sri Lanka and this was accepted in principle.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, who also holds the portfolios of Ports and Aviation, met Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and discussed more air connectivity and possibility of more cooperation, opening up of new points for the designated Sri Lankan carriers and increasing cargo flights to India.

UNI

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