India is pleased to participate in the Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development in Sri Lanka. We welcome the support extended by the international community to rehabilitate the people and reconstruct the economy of Sri Lanka.

India has an important bilateral aid programme for Sri Lanka and currently extends assistance amounting to approx. US $ 200 million. The assistance is utilized to obtain a range of capital goods, food supplies, education and health services. This programme is intended to assist communities living in all parts of Sri Lanka.

India is committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. It is our view that there is no solution to the ongoing conflict other than a political solution. That is why we support the actions of the Government of Sri Lanka to negotiate a peaceful resolution that will satisfy the just aspirations of all the communities in Sri Lanka. India sincerely hopes that these negotiations would conclude successfully.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.