The recently concluded SAARC Summit reached consensus on fighting terrorism and it deliberated more than any other on the issue of terrorism, said government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, addressing the media this morning (7) at the Media Centre for National Security in Colombo,

He referred to Indian Prime Minister Dr, Manmohan Singh¢s assertion that terrorism remains the biggest challenge to the SAARC region as evidence to the increased awareness about the terrorist menace among regional leaders.

The presence of Indian, Pakistan and Afghanistan leaders at the Summit gave lie to media reports that they would not participate in it as Sri Lanka is the third country worst affected by terrorism, the Minister said. Their very presence at the Summit is a victory for Sri Lanka, he added.