The United States of America too had been through the experience combating terrorism and considered the terrorism of the LTTE as abhorrent said two high ranking officers of the Obama Administration, attached to the US National Security Council (NSC), who met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today.

There were cordial discussions covering matters of mutual interest at the courtesy call on the President by the representatives of the NSC - Ms. Samantha Power, Special Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for Multi-lateral Affairs and Human Rights and Mr. David Pressman,. Director for War Crimes, Atrocities and Civilian Protection.

Expressing the abhorrence of terrorism by the United States, the visitors said President Barack Obama had admiration for the victory that President Rajapaksa had gained over the terrorism of the LTTE. Ms. Power recalled that Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam, who was assassinated by the LTTE, was her friend.

They referred to the long standing partnership between Sri Lanka and the USA and mentioned the need to strengthen this further with fresh initiatives at the official level.

President Rajapaksa reciprocated the good wishes of the US visitors and said that Sri Lanka too looked forward to continued good relations with the United States.