(Colombo-Lankapuvath-May 02) – Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama speaking to his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith, appreciated the continuous interest expressed by Australia on the current developments in Sri Lanka. 

He stated that the close dialogue and engagement between the two countries in this manner was an encouragement to Sri Lanka’s efforts. Minister thanked the Australian Government for pledging Aus. $. 4.5 million in humanitarian assistance for the urgent need of civilians displaced in the North. Further, he welcomed the constant stand taken by the Australian Government against the establishment of an Independent Tamil State.

Minister Bogollagama appreciated Minister Smith reiterating this position in his recent interview to the media.  He also thanked Minister Smith for his appeal made earlier to the Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates living in Australia to urge the LTTE to renounce violence and to lay down arms.
 
Minister Smith stated that he closely follows the situation in Sri Lanka  and noted reports of the recent visit by French Foreign Minister Dr. Bernard Kouchner and the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband to Sri Lanka.  He further stated that the Government of Sri Lanka is winning the war, yet the political settlement is necessary to address the grievances of the Tamil community urging for a political dialogue and reconciliation.
  
Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefing on the current developments in Sri Lanka stated that the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) has appealed to the opposition parties which are not in the APRC to participate in the deliberations urgently. He informed Minister Smith that the main opposition party too has conveyed that they would submit their proposals to the Parliament. Referring to the ‘Indo-Lanka Accord’, Minister Bogollagama informed his Australian counterpart that the Government has given its utmost priority for the implementation of its provisions.  Further, Minister Bogollagama said the Government is planning to hold the Local Government elections in Jaffna in the near future. 

Referring to the facilities provided to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the welfare centres Minister Bogollagama stated that the Government is aiming to resettle them before the end of this year. 

Foreign Minister Smith while appreciating the confidence shown in sharing the information stated that a large number of Sri Lankan Tamil expatriates in Australia have expressed their concerns of the civilians held by the LTTE and on going terrorist tactics confining them to a smaller area.  Minister Bogollagama maintained the position that there was sufficient food and essential items available for the IDPs.