Mahinda, Mathai meet

Tuesday, 11 October 2011 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

India’s Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, who arrived in Sri Lanka last Saturday on a three-day official visit, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday to discuss bilateral issues important to both countries.

This is Mathai’s first visit to Sri Lanka since his appointment as Foreign Secretary.

Indian External Affairs Joint Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Douglas Devananda, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and External Affairs Ministry Secretary K. Amunugama were also present during the meeting with the President. The Indian official also visited the north yesterday to review developmental projects progressing in various parts of Northern Sri Lanka under India’s assistance.

He has inspected Kankesanthurai Harbour development project and the housing construction scheme funded by the Indian Government.

Governor of the Northern Province Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Jaffna District Secretary Imelda Sukumar and several top officials also accompanied the Indian Foreign Secretary.

Mathai has especially discussed with Sri Lankan officials the constantly nagging issue of fishermen from both countries crossing each other’s territorial waters.

Sri Lankan fishermen accuse Indian fishermen of stealing their livelihood and Indian fishermen accuse Sri Lanka Navy and fishermen of attacking them.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jeyaram Jayalalithaa has urged Mathai to take up the fishermen issue with the Sri Lankan Government when she met the Foreign Secretary prior to his visit to Sri Lanka.

Mathai was also scheduled to meet with other political leaders, including Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and representatives of the major Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance, before his departure yesterday.