H.E. Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka visited India from November 3-7 2004 at the invitation of the President of India H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. She was accompanied by Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. A.D. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Power and Energy and senior officials.

The President of Sri Lnaka held wide-ranging discussions with President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Shri K. Natwar Singh and Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The discussions were detailed and substantive in consonance with the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance called on President Kumaratunga.

The President of Sri Lanka also met former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The discussions reaffirmed the traditional convergence of views between the two countries on a range of international issues.

The President of Sri Lanka apprised the Indian leadership of the current status of the peace process in Sri Lanka and the steps she has take to advance it further. India for its part reiterated its support for the process of seeking a comprehensive, negotiated settlement acceptable to all communities of Sri Lanka and reflecting the pluralistic nature of Sri Lankan society within the framework of a united Sri Lanka and consistent with democracy and respect for individual rights. India maintains an abiding interest in the security of Sri Lanka and remains committed to its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. India favours the early resumption of negotiations pertaining to the peace process. Any interim arrangement on administration should be on integral part of an enduring final settlement that maintains the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and ensures the safety, well-being and prosperity of the people...