http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111027_01


Sri Lankan President holds discussions with Australian Prime Minister

www.defence.lk">Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is in the Australian city of Perth to attend the 22nd Commonwealth Heads of States Summit (CHOGM) met the Australian Prime Minister Mrs. Julia Gillard this afternoon at hotel Pan Pacific in Perth.
President has enlightened the Australian Prime Minister about the resettlement of internally displaced persons, and the activities of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. The report of the Commission, to be released shortly would be presented in Parliament.
www.defence.lk">The President has told the Australian Prime Minister that some of the LTTE members are raising funds in foreign countries to use against Sri Lanka and they are very active in Australia and several other European countries. He has told her that the charges being made against Sri Lanka are absurd and baseless. The President has emphasized that he himself and the Sri Lankan government is prepared to meet anyone at any time to explain the true situation about Sri Lanka. The two leaders have also focused attention on development and mechanisms of eliminating poverty.
Higher education was another subject that was focused in the discussion between the two leaders. The Australian Prime Minister has apprised the President on reformations of the Commonwealth. The President has pointed out that some time is required to study on this matter.
The Australian Prime Minister has appreciated the support being given by the Sri Lankan government to prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking. The President has thanked the Australian government for the assistance provided for de-mining activities in the Northern Province. Minister Professor G.L. Peiris parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardena, president's Secretary Lalith Weerathunga and Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Niward Cabral have also attended these discussions. The summit of the Heads of States of Commonwealth will commence on Friday. Our special correspondent Mayuri Abeysinghe says that all arrangements have been made by now to hold this summit.
Courtesy :Department of Government Information