President calls on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh  

[November 05, 2004 - 5:20 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga called on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his official residence at Race Course Road in the Indian capital yesterday.

The much debated Sethusamudram Sea Canal Project was among the topics discussed. The Indian Premier said that this long term project would run into 10 to 15 years and is still at its design stage and several more feasibility studies need to be done. 

Indian Government pledged to keep two Sri Lankan specialists fully informed of all aspects of this proposed sea canal project. “Any issue that may have adverse effects for Sri Lanka will be resolved in Sri Lanka’s favour,” Dr. Singh assured adding that India would be willing to discuss “any matter at any time”.

Premier Singh was keen to know the current status of the Sri Lankan peace process and assured President Kumaratunga India’s unreserved support for a negotiated settlement within a united Sri Lanka.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction at the current levels of cooperation in diverse fields. They resolved to further expand the scope of such collaboration in future through various development projects. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mangala Moonasinghe were associated with the Sri Lankan President. In the discussions that preceded the luncheon Dr. Singh was assisted by External Affairs Shri K. Natwar Singh, Security Advisor Shri J N. Dixit, Foreign Secretary Shri Shyam Saran, and Joint Secretary Shrimathi Neelam Deo.

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Last Updated Date: November 05, 2004 - 5:20 GMT