US supports Government’s humanitarian mission in North and East

[March 09, 2007 - 9.00 GMT]

United States Principal Deputy Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Steven Mann who met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning pledged continued US support for government’s development and humanitarian programs including those in the North and East.

He also discussed the conflict situation in the North and East. President Rajapaksa assured the United States that the government is committed to seek a peaceful solution through negotiations and informed him of the efforts being

undertaken through the All Party Conference  (APC) to arrive at an early solution. The President told the US Principal Deputy Secretary for South and central Asian Affairs that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has already formulated its proposals, which will be soon placed before the APC.

Mr. Mann said that the United States appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to seek an early solution and assured continued US support for the same.