Sri Lanka today said the relationship between New Delhi and
Colombo was “strong,” as it dismissed suggestions that there was “pressure from
New Delhi” for an early political solution to the Tamil ethnic problem during
the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris said Sri Lanka is
following an independent policy and there is no pressure on us.
“There was no pressure from India. Indiadid not pressurise us and Sri Lankais following an independent policy with help from India,” Peiris told reporters.
“The ties between Indiaand Sri Lanka are strong,”
Peiris said, as he described the four-day landmark visit of Rajapaksa to India as “successful”.
Asked about the talks the President had with MPs from Tamil
Nadu, the foreign minister said they discussed the 13th constitutional
amendment, the political solution and economic aspects.
The Minister said, among other things, India would
provide assistance to the tune of USD 250 million for construction of 50,000
houses for IDPs in the North and Eastern part of the country.
The joint declaration issued at the end of Rajapaksa’s visit
referred to the major initiative to undertake a programme of construction of
50,000 houses for IDPs in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The President of Sri Lanka warmly welcomed the offer of
Indian support for this programme, it said.
Indiais also extending about USD 800 million as credit for railway projects, Peiris
said. It may be recalled that Indiais also providing Rs 500 crore as assistance for the upliftment of the IDPS.
Indiahas expressed its willingness to contribute to the reconstruction process
through support in various areas. This includes reviving agriculture, for
rebuilding schools, housing and civil infrastructure, for rehabilitating war
widows, constructing the cultural centre in Jaffna, setting up vocational training
centres and restoring the Duriappa Stadium in the city.
Peiris said Indiawould also extend assistance for the rehabilitation of Palaly Airport and Kankesanthurai harbour in Jaffna. He said the work
at the harbour would start by the end of this month.
He said the visit from June 7 was a good opportunity for the
Sri Lankan President to interact with senior Indian leaders, including his
Indian counterpart Prathiba Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. – (PTI)
