UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his outstanding victory in being elected for a second term in the recently concluded Presidential Election.

In a telephone conversation with the President today (10), the Secretary General wished him success in the continuance of his efforts to strengthen peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, with assurances of UN support for this work.

President Rajapaksa apprized Mr. Ban Ki Moon of current political developments, including the dissolution of Parliament, and the Government’s commitment to prevent divisions harmful to democracy, and conduct another peaceful election.

In discussing the issues of humanitarian assistance and development in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa informed the Secretary General that infrastructure development was the most needed, both in the liberated areas of the North and East, as well as in other parts of the country. The Government was giving priority to this and would be appreciative of assistance in this regard.

President Rajapaksa also discussed with the Secretary General the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the tasks of both humanitarian and development work, and stated the Government’s willingness to work with foreign organizations in necessary spheres of activity, emphasizing the need for foreign NGOs to be accountable and transparent in their work, in view of previous experience in this regard.

With regard to the special development work in the North, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon was told this work was handled by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Advisor to the President, who was fully involved with the tasks at hand.

In discussing issues regarding Human Rights and related issues, particularly in the concluding stages of the operations to defeat the terrorism of the LTTE, the President informed the UN Secretary General that the independent committee headed by Mr. DS Wijetunge PC, was looking into the contents of the related reports, and once this Committee submitted its report, further action would be taken as considered necessary to bring about greater post-conflict reconciliation.

The UN Secretary General was told that the Government looked forward to further progress both in the economic and development spheres, with the participation of investors and other assistance from abroad.

The 25 minute telephone conversation was initiated by the UNSG's office.