India, Sri Lanka discuss peace process

New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) India and Sri Lanka today held discussions on the security situation and the peace process in the island nation and reviewed several ongoing economic projects between the two countries.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse and Foreign Minister Mangal Samaraweera, currently in India, held talks with Indian leaders on all aspects of bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minsiter Pranab Mukherjee called on the Sri Lankan President and held detailed discussions on India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations as well as the peace process in the island nation, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

Mr Mukherkjee conveyed the hope that there would be early progress in the peace process so that all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka could live harmoniously and were able to achieve their aspirations.

The External Affairs Minister also held delegation-level talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera on all aspects of bilateral relations.

During these talks, several on-going economic projects between the two countries were also reviewed, the spokesman added.

Mr Rajapakse and Mr Samaraweera are in India on a four-day official visit. They, along with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, also attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer.

The Sri Lankan President also visited Dehradun.

Tomorrow, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, L K Advani will call on the Sri Lankan President.

Mr Rajapakse will have talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inthe afternoon on various aspects of bilateral relations after which he will leave for Colombo in the evening.

UNI RB YA KN1911