German parliamentary delegation due here on Tuesday

by Shanika SRIYANANDA

A German Parliamentary delegation will arrive in Sri Lanka to gain first-hand experience on post conflict development activities in the country, on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by Dagmar Ernstberger, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group on South Asia, will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers, representatives of civil society and religious dignitaries.

During their four-day stay in Sri Lanka they will visit the North to inspect the de-mining activities and resettled villages.

German Ambassador Jens Plotner said that this visit is significant as this was the first time a group of German Parliamentarians were visiting Sri Lanka since the end of the war.

"In this crucial phase of Sri Lanka's history, the revival of a substantial political dialogue is of particular importance.

Germany wants to assist Sri Lanka in its transformation from a country at war to a society living in peace", he said. He said the visit would give the German politicians a first-hand impression on progress made and of challenges ahead.