Friday, May 1, 2009

FM Briefs his Australian counterpart about current developments in Sri Lanka

(defence.lk)Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama speaking to his Australian counterpart the Stephen Smith, today (April 30), appreciated the continuous interest expressed by Australia on the current development in Sri Lanka. He stated that the close dialogue and engagement between the two countries in this manner was an encouragement to Sri Lanka's efforts. Minister thanked the Australian Government for pledging Aus. $. 4.5 million in humanitarian assistance for the urgent need of civilians displaced in the North. Further, he welcomed the constant stand taken by the Australian Government against the establishment of an Independent Tamil State. Minister Bogollagama appreciated Minister Smith reiterating this position in his recent interview to the media. He also thanked Minister Smith for his appeal made earlier to the Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates living in Australia to urge the LTTE to renounce violence and to lay down arms. Full text