Multi-party delegation for talks in India

India has invited a multi-party Sri Lankan delegation to visit New Delhi for a familiarisation tour where bilateral matters will be discussed.

The ten member team for the tour from September 9 to 14 will be led by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and include Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, House Leader Lakshman Kiriella, Minister Nimal Sripala De Silva, Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena representing the Joint Opposition (JO), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) leader Rishad Bathiudeen, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath, Tamil progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan and Eelam Peoples’ Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Douglas Devananda.

During informal talks with Indian leaders, the Sri Lankan delegation will discuss enhancing cooperation in different fields. They will also brief their Indian counterparts on plans for a new constitution. Mr. Devananda told the Sunday Times that exchange programmes between the two countries would be a good opportunity to discuss issues and strengthen bilateral ties. As Lankan party leaders visit New Delhi, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will also be in New Delhi to deliver a keynote speech on September 12, following an invitation extended to him by Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) frontliner.