India hails SL role in ensuring security in region

India appreciates the role played by Sri Lanka in ensuring security of the Indian Ocean region, Indian State Minister of Foreign Affairs Sri M J Akbar said today.

Mr. Akbar said India also welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts to bring in reconciliation.

He made these remarks during bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Singapore last evening.

He said that the cooperation among the states in the Indian Ocean was as old as Indo-Sri Lanka relations.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said it was important to further ensure cooperation of the states in the Indian Ocean Region and such cooperation would help the region to face future challenges.

He said support of the Indian government and the private sector would be sought by Sri Lanka for its development.

Mr. Wickremesinghe arrived in Singapore last morning and was welcomed by the Sri Lankan High commission Singapore Nimal Weerarathne and other officials.

He addressed the Indian Ocean Conference organized by the Indian Foundation highlighting issues faced by the Indian ocean region in the future. (Yohan Perera in Singapore)