PRESIDENT MEETS STATE LEADERS IN NEW YORK

President Rajapaksa who is attending the 66th session of the UN General Assembly has held talks with several world leaders. The progress achieved by Sri Lanka since the elimination of terrorism from the island earned plaudits of the world leaders.

The President yesterday had bilateral discussions with leaders of Slovenia, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria. The President briefed these leaders on the progress in the rehabilitation programme in the North and East, post conflict management activities and the progress achieved in the de-mining process. He also told them about Sri Lanka’s achievements in the mega development projects and the current economic growth.
President of Kyrgyzstan President Roza Otunbayeva highly acclaimed the quality of Sri Lanka tea. The President called on her to send a delegation to the island to conduct a study on Sri Lanka tea.
President of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Turk said the reconciliation witnessed in Sri Lanka was an example to the entire world. He also praised Sri Lanka’s economic growth rate and the development achieved within a short span after the conflict situation. The meeting between the President and his Nigerian counterpart Goodluck Ebele Jonathan focused attention many sectors important to both countries, including economy and trade. In the meantime US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake met the President for discussions. Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative at the UN Dr. Palitha Kohona and his Deputy Major General Shavendra Silva were present at these meetings.