India welcomed the initial steps taken by Sri Lanka to relax movement and travel restrictions on IDPs, and expressed the hope that the IDPs would resume their livelihood and return to a life of normalcy.

This was conveyed when a Sri Lankan delegation was in India for a two day (Dec. 9-10) official visit. The delegation included Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Adviser to the President, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President and Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary.

They met Shri M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser, Smt. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary and Shri Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary. They also called on the External Affairs Minister Shri S.M.Krishna.

Sri Lanka thanked India for the substantial assistance being provided by India for the rehabilitation of the IDPs. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the commendable work done by the 60-member Indian Field Hospital at Menik Farm, Vavuniya, where more than 50,000 patients were treated. The contribution of 2.5 lakh family packs sent by the Government of Tamil Nadu to the IDPs was also appreciated.

India had enhanced the number of Indian de-mining teams in the North and East, provided additional quantity of shelter material and agricultural starter packs and was now in the process of providing cement bags for reconstruction of damaged houses of IDPs.

India welcomed the holding of local elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya. Both sides agreed on the need for political arrangements which would serve the legitimate interests and meet the aspirations of all Sri Lankan citizens.

They also agreed on the need for restoration of infrastructure and services in the North and East. Sri Lanka welcomed the participation of Indian companies in these projects.

The two sides agreed to convene the Joint Working Group on Fishing Cooperation to continue discussions on the draft MOU to put in place an institutional arrangement.