President stresses need for vigilance in national security
- meeting with US Asst. Secretary Boucher

[May 10, 2007 - 9.30 GMT]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who explained the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka to the US Assistant Secretary of State Ambassador Richard Boucher today, stressed on the need to be vigilant in the interests of national security.

At the meeting with Ambassador Boucher held at Temple Trees earlier today President Rajapaksa said he sought the help of the International Community to resolve the Sri Lankan crisis and achieve peace.

In the discussion on matters regarding Human Rights the President told Ambassador Boucher that the Government

was doing best to ensure that there were no Human Rights violations and that all reports of Human Rights of violations were looked into. The US Assistant Secretary of State was also told that the Government fully supported the work of the Ministry for Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission and the various other institutions and commissions of inquiry set up to probe any violations of Human Rights and take remedial measures.

SLFP Proposals

In the discussion on the SLFP's proposals for Constitutional Reform, President Rajapaksa explained the rationale behind these proposals to Ambassador Boucher. The President said the final proposals for Constitutional Reform would come from the All Party Representative Committee, which would comprise the basis for future Constitutional Reform.

Also present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister Douglas Devananda, the Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.