Sri Lanka seeks to win backing of all countries

Friday, 13 March 2015 01:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena says it is the foreign policy of the present Government to win the backing of all countries by sticking to the nonaligned policy. “Sri Lanka needs the cooperation of all nations in its development drive and the Government is in the process of promoting goodwill with the United Nations,” President Sirisena has said when he met UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon on Monday (9 March) in London. The foreign policy of the country has given a novel face and ties with the regional countries will be further strengthened under it, he said. While pointing out that the people of Sri Lanka elected him to power to create an atmosphere for the people to live without fear and suspicion. President Maithripala said he would also minimise the revenue gap between the rich and poor. President Sirisena said that Sri Lanka expects the support of Britain in the international arena as well as in the UN Human Rights Council. The President added he hopes to gain the cooperation of Britain to eradicate the drug menace, which has become an immense challenge for the country. The present situation of the North and East was also discussed. President Sirisena pointed out that although five years have passed after defeating terrorism friendship and goodwill have not been promoted between the people in the North and South. Therefore, it is the objective of the present Government to create understanding, trust and consensus between all communities, he said. During the discussion, Fallon said his country is ready to support Sri Lanka to eradicate the drug menace if the country is enlightened on the routes of drug smuggling. The UK could take effective steps to curb drug smuggling by exchange of information between law enforcement authorities, he said. He also praised the program carried out by the President for the betterment of the people in the North and East. The Secretary also requested President Maithripala to deploy Sri Lankan Army personnel for peacekeeping activities. He also inquired about the Sri Lanka’s relations with China and India. In reply, President Maithripala said India is the neighbour of Sri Lanka while China is a good ally. Minister of External Affairs Mangala Samaraweera was also present during the discussion.