Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

by Manjula Fernando reporting from New Delhi

An agreement of co-operation in Information and Communication Technologies and services was signed between Sri Lanka and India when the Prime Ministers of the two countries met for bilateral discussions and pressing issues concerning the peace process over lunch in Delhi yesterday.

The agreement, which will make way for the sharing of knowledge and services on IT education, e-governance, commerce and information research and development was signed by Economic Reforms and Science and Technology Minister Milinda Moragoda and the Indian Disinvestments, Telecom and Infotech Minister Arun Shaurie in the presence of Premiers Ranil Wickremesinghe and Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is currently in India to attend the three-day India Today Conclave 2003 which will conclude after the Indian Presidnet Abdul Kalam's dinner speech today.

The two leaders spoke keenly on the construction of the planned bridge to make a land route from Sri Lanka to India. Both agreed on the necessity to expedite the construction work and open the road. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that his government has already initiated a dialogue with the Asian Development Bank to obtain funds for their part of the project. The issues pertaining to civil aviation was also discussed at the occasion. The Premier pointed out the need to increase the number of seats and number of trips by the SriLankan Airlines to Indian ports so as to cater to the increasing demand.

The Indian Premier assured his continuous support to the on-going peace process in Sri Lanka. He also called upon the Indian President Abdul Kalam at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan following his meeting with Vajpayee. Abdul Kalam said that he was particularly happy to note that the land bridge between the two countries is going to be a reality soon.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager