President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bi-lateral talks with the Heads of State of Nepal, Colombia and Iran yesterday (Sep 21) at the UN Headquarters in New York.

During these talks, he apprised the state leaders of the progress achieved by the Sri Lankan Government in resettling IDPs, demining, reconstruction endeavours, and the recently held Local Authority Elections in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

He also elaborated on the massive development thrust in the country.

During discussions with Nepalese Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, President Rajapaksa said that measures will be taken to establish direct air travel between Colombo and Lumbini.

Sri Lanka is a good example of the development and progress achieved by South Asia, the Nepalese premier said.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of strengthening trade and tourism between Sri Lanka and Nepal.

President Rajapaksa also met with his Columbian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos Calderon yesterday. The Colombian president said that in consideration of the recent Columbian experiences, he can understand the situation of Sri Lanka very well. Sri Lanka successfully handles the process of reconciliation, he added.

Later, during his talks with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President Rajapaksa was appreciated for his leadership skills in bringing speedy development in the country. He expressed gratitude to Iran for the assistance extended to the country’s development.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Palitha Kohona also attended these discussions.