Britain pledged to extend assistance required
by Sri Lanka, for the country's national reconstruction programme.
During a meeting in London on 26 September 2002, underscoring the positive
outcome of the initial round of peace talks, Mike O'Brien, Parliamentary
Undersecretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, assured
the Minister of Economic Reform, Science & Technology, Milinda Moragoda,
that the United Kingdom stands ready to continue necessary practical
development support for Sri Lanka. He was of the view that the steps
taken by the Government of Sri Lanka with regard to bringing peace to
the country is important to Britain. O'Brien acknowledged the urgent
need initially, for short term assistance and Minister Moragoda stated
that the Sri Lanka Government would provide specific proposals for consideration
by British Government.
Welcoming Sri Lanka's initiative to convene a high level international
donor conference for the rehabilitation and development of the country,
O'Brien stated that U.K. is willing to play a key role. Minister Moragoda
acknowledging this position, outlined the importance of the role of
the international community in the development process of the country,
which would be a confidence building measure for the people of Sri Lanka.
Minister Moragoda extended an invitation to Parliamentary Undersecretary
of State O'Brien to visit Sri Lanka at his convenience in the near future,
which was accepted.
Minister Moragoda, who is on a four day visit to the United Kingdom
also met Ms. Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development,
Peter Hain, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for
Europe and Sir David Manning, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Advisor.
The courageous steps and the foresight
of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe regarding the peace initiatives
were commended by Peter Hain, Undersecretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs for Europe, when he met Milinda Moragoda, Minister
of Economic Reform, Science & Technology, on 26 September 2002,
in his office. He requested Minister Moragoda to congratulate Prime
Minister Wickramasinghe on his behalf on the break through he has achieved
in the peace process. Hain stated that he had followed the outcome of
the initial phase of the peace talks with great interest and was convinced
that the present climate was conducive to proceed with the course that
has been initiated.
Minister Moragoda outlined the issues addressed during the peace talks
and said that he hoped that the international community will sustain
its interest in the developments in Sri Lanka. He said that he was looking
towards the donor countries to provide foreign assistance for the country's
economic development and reconstruction plan. He briefed Undersecretary
of State, Hain regarding the proposal to convene a high level donor
conference for the rehabilitation and development of Sri Lanka. Hain
welcomed the proposal and was confident that there would be participation
of the donor community.
Minister Moragoda extended an invitation to Undersecretary of State,
Hain, to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time in the near future.
Release Ends.
Released by:
SCOPP Communications Unit on
075 554471-2, 077 748261-2 or 077 748264.
27092002/PR
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