He made this observation during his discussion with Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

The Indian Army Commander arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday on a five day official visit at the invitation of Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya in a bid to promote bilateral military ties and defense cooperation between the two countries.

General Vijay Singh paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa last morning.

The Indian Army Chief further said that each measure taken to uplift the living standards of the resettled people in North and East will bind the country together as a single unit. He added that the people who were under LTTE tyranny will now compare their past experiences with the benefits and relief they are receiving from the Government. He also said that under these circumstances the Government has an excellent opportunity to build up trust and mutual understanding among its people.

General Singh further stated that Sri Lanka Military and Indian Defense Forces are maintaining excellent bilateral relations and understanding.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne during the discussion stated that the Sri Lankan Government has successfully resettled the displaced people in a relatively short time with the support of the Indian Government.

He added that the people of Sri Lanka have no racist feelings towards each other, but certain politicians are attempting to plant and spread such racial ideology amongst the masses to gain cheap political benefits.