http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=51945

Phillipines to provide intelligence on possible LTTE links there

May 14, 2012, 11:03 pm


by Zacki Jabbar

The Philippines is to provide Sri Lanka with intelligence to combat possible LTTE links to terror groups there.

Deputy Foreign Minister Neomal Perera told The Island yesterday that the assurance was given by the visiting Deputy Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Erlinda F. Basillio, during bilateral talks in Colombo.


Since the LTTE Diaspora might try to exploit terror groups in the Phillippines, nothing was being left to chance, he observed.


"We discussed a wide range of issues from intelligence and defence cooperation to developing and strengthening trade, labour and tourism ties," the Minister said adding that the talks were fruitful and conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.


Basillio’s two-day visit coincides with this year’s celebrations to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.


Perera said that the visiting delegation also pledged to help train Sri Lankan’s seeking jobs such as domestic aides and labourers in the Middle East.


Middle Eastern countries have turned largely to the Philippines for their requirement of domestic workers, since they have displayed all round skills and work ethics, he noted.


The Minister said that a proposal by the Sri Lankan delegation to use the free trade agreements that the Philippines has with the European Union, US, Japan and Australia, to promote business had received a very positive response.


Since the Philippines have the required expertise in the construction and maintenance of container terminals, they were invited to invest in the Colombo and Hambantota ports, he added.