President
Chandrika Kumaratunga received Mr. Michel Barnier
the External Affairs Minister of France yesterday
evening at the President's House. Mr. Barnier
conveyed to the President the condolences of
President Jacques Chirac and the people of France.
He said France and the other European Union
nations were shocked and deeply saddened by
the enormous loss of life and property in the
aftermath of the havoc wrought by the unexpected
natural disaster. He also mentioned that France
would be prepared to do anything to assist Sri
Lanka at this time of anguish.
Mr. Barnier is on a visit to
the Tsunami-hit Asian region to meet the Heads
of States at the request of President Jacques
Chirac to survey the disaster stricken areas
so France could provide all possible assistance.
France has already responded
to President Kumaratunga's appeal, with a team
of 100 highly trained rescue workers. They arrived
on Monday with food and other supplies to assist
the Sri Lankan authorities in their relief operations.
President Kumaratunga thanked
Minister Barnier for the solidarity shown by
his Government and the people of France. She
conveyed the gratitude of the people of Sri
Lanka for the assistance already extended by
France, which was one of the first countries
to respond her request.
Mr. Michel Barnier is also
the European Commissioner responsible for regional
policy. He has held the portfolio of environment
in the Government of France from 1973 to 1995
and is an expert on natural disaster management.
He said that France will assist Sri Lanka in
disaster preparedness and management and assured
Sri Lanka will in future benefit from the 'early
warning system' set up by the EU.
Mr. Barnier requested Sri Lankan
President to make available a concept paper
about the a proposed Disaster Preparedness Centre
in Sri Lanka, such a center will be equipped
with a sophisticated early warning system. President
Kumaratunga said that she has discussed with
other South Asian leaders the need to establish
a common hub, which will be linked to individual
domestic systems.
Mr. Michel Barnier said he would advice and
inform the French and EU authorities to send
a group of experts to the region for a feasibility
study on his return to Paris.
President briefed the French
External Affairs Minister of the ongoing relief
measures and the arrangements made to assist
the foreign tourists who were victims of Sunday's
tragedy.
Ambassador of France for Sri
Lanka H. E. Jean-Bernard De Vaivre, Secretary
to the President Mr. W. J. S. Karunaratne, Additional
Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Ms.
Pamela Dean were associated with the President
at yesterday's meeting.
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