President appreciates Iran’s assistance

President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the sidelines of the 16th NAM Summit in Tehran.
At the outset of bilateral talks between the two Heads of State, President Rajapaksa expressed his condolences to the Iranian government over destruction and deaths caused by earthquake that took place in North Western Iran last August. He wished that the lives of the people who were affected by the natural disaster will return to normal soon.

President Rajapaksa also congratulated President Ahmadinejad for taking over the Chair of the XVI NAM Summit and promised his fullest cooperation to Iranian Government to steer the movement under the Iranian chairmanship. The two leaders also discussed the progress of Uma Oya multipurpose hydro power project funded by the Government of Iran. They also focused on the rural electrification projects being implemented in the country under Iranian assistance. The President said over 1,200 villages are benefited by the rural electrification projects.
President Rajapaksa also met Lebanon President Michel Suleiman on the sidelines of XVI NAM summit in Teheran. He requested his Lebanon counterpart to ensure maximum welfare facilities to the Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Lebanon. The Lebanese President drew his attention towards this request. President Rajapaksa also informed the Lebanon President on the development projects being implemented in the country. The President also addressed the members of the media who had arrived at Teheran to cover the proceedings of XIV NAM summit.
President Rajapaksa was of the view that the NAM is an important parley for the developing countries in the world. He stressed the importance of retaining the noble objectives on which the Movement was established for the benefit of developing countries and the member states at large. Replying to a query by a journalist over the Present situation in Sri Lanka, the President said country is enjoying the dividends of peace after ending 30 years of conflict. He said those who were involved in terrorist activities with weapons in their hands have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society as productive citizens. He briefed world leaders of the development activities being implemented in the country.