President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that the reintegration of over 14,000 ex-combatants back into society and the release of nearly 600 child soldiers back to their parents was a “risk” taken by the government, but said he believed it was worthwhile.

He made these comments during a meeting with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain in Shanghai, China, on the sidelines of the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) that is scheduled to begin tomorrow.

“I took a risk,” President Rajapaksa said while explaining the immediate post-war measures adopted by the Sri Lankan Government, the President’s International Media Unit reports.

“We released more than 14,000 ex-combatants back into society. I felt that society is the best authority to rehabilitate them. We also released 595 child soldiers back to their parents within one month after the war ended. It was a risk, but it was worthwhile, I think.”

“Hats off to you,” commented the Pakistani President. “It was a tremendous thing. It was a long struggle for your people and your Government. Whatever policies you have adopted, it is evident that they have been successful.”

The Pakistani President extended his country’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka when he and President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions this afternoon.

“Pakistan is with you,” President Hussain said. “We have also suffered and still we are suffering from terrorism. Insha Allah, we’d get rid of this menace.

“Pakistan will always support Sri Lanka at international fora,” the Pakistani President said, explaining further that it is because the complaints that are leveled against Sri Lanka “are illogical.”

President Rajapaksa thanked Pakistan for always being supportive of Sri Lanka both during and after the war, including at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

President Hussain also spoke about Sri Lanka’s support towards Pakistan and elaborated his country’s perception of relations with Sri Lanka.

“The Sri Lankan people and the Government of Sri Lanka have always been supporting us,” President Hussain said. “We have a special feeling towards a few countries.”

The two leaders also discussed reviving cricket tours between the two nations. The Pakistani team is scheduled to play in Sri Lanka later this year, but President Rajapaksa said, “We must go and play there also. We can’t allow the terrorists to have control.”

Other areas discussed included enhancing trade relations. The Pakistani President said that “Sri Lanka is the first country with which we entered (into) a free trade agreement.” But both President Rajapaksa and President Hussain agreed that there is greater scope for increased trade. One option discussed was to exchange business delegations allowing the private sector to explore opportunities.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Chief of Staff Mr. Gamini Senarath, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda were also present at the discussion.

President Rajapaksa arrived in China earlier this morning and is scheduled to speak at the Conference.