On development:

EU hails Govt efforts

The efforts made by the Government of Sri Lanka to remove the legacy of the conflict was commended by the leader of the South Asia Delegation of the European Parliament, Jean Lambert.

A cross-party parliamentary delegation of the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) comprising six personnel visited Sri Lanka in the context of a wider regional mission including a visit to the Maldives.

The EU delegation also travelled to the North of Sri Lanka and observed post-conflict development in the region.

During a concluding interaction between the delegation and the Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris on Thursday, the EU side thanked the Government for the extensive efforts made to ensure the success of their visit and appreciated the opportunity to interact with a cross-section of Sri Lankan society. While appreciating their interaction with the Parliament of Sri Lanka, they also welcomed the formation of the EU Parliamentary Friendship Association within the Parliament of Sri Lanka and invited the Members of the Association to visit the EU Parliament

The delegation also welcomed the process of political empowerment taking place in the island and the beginning of a dialogue with the Diaspora. Several members of the delegation highlighted the need to strengthen trade and business links between Sri Lanka and the EU and the need to attract foreign direct investments. They agreed that this aspect was an important dimension of the future direction of the EU-Sri Lanka relations.

With regard to the situation in Jaffna, members of the delegation expressed their favourable impressions regarding post-conflict developments, although foreign direct investment could be enhanced. While recognising the positive developments over the last few months, they stated that further progress was needed in meeting the grievances of the conflict-affected people, including in land-related issues and matters concerning the last stages of the conflict. The delegation stated that they were privileged to see the work of a number of international NGOs, who are working closely with the Government in the North, including with EU assistance.