President Rajapaksa, while expressing satisfaction at the continuous development of bilateral relations between the two countries, thanked the Maldives Government for the warm hospitality and friendly reception extended to him and the delegation.

President and the Foreign Minister further exchanged views on the matters that were discussed at official negotiations on the previous day. They agreed that SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) should be strengthened for the welfare of member countries. This should be achieved on an equal platform irrespective of each member country’s various geographical and economic differences, they agreed.

“Sri Lanka has helped us a lot,” Ms. Maumoon said. “Maldives too continuously supported Sri Lanka at international fora. That support is assured in the future too.”  While focusing attention on the Commonwealth, President Rajapaksa and the Foreign Minister agreed to that fact that the organization should be steered in the right direction and prevent it from being used as a political tool.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Higher Education Mr. S.B. Dissanayake, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Maldives Mr. Dixon Dela were also present at the discussion.(HC/SI)