Indian President Abdul Kalaam said that he very much appreciated the efforts made and measures adopted to develop, enhance and strengthen relationships between India and Sri Lanka during the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime. He further said that the Indian people today enjoyed benefits resulted from strengthened relationship in many areas.

Indian President Dr. Kalaam made this remarks when he met the visiting Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe at 'Rastapathibhavan' the official residence of the President.

Indian President recalled and explained how ties between the two countries were strengthened based on Buddhism during ancient times. He pointed out that Buddha gifted the world Buddhism, the everlasting philosophy, and even today areas in Northern India where Buddhists live were more serene and peaceful as opposed to other parts of India. Dr. Kalaam also recalled the words of Buddha, "winning oneself is much greater than winning thousand wars".

The Opposition Leader mentioned that Kanchipuram and Anuradhapura were linked together in the olden times as centres of Theravada Buddhism. He explained how Mahavihara in Anuradhapura was established as the main Theravada centre of the region with the fall of Kanchipuram. Mr. Wickremesinghe said that Mahaviharaya excavation commenced under the directions of his government.

The Indian President revealed that ruins of many Buddhist temples were found in various places of South Indian region and the Indian Archaeological Institute had begun excavations in order to unearth more evidence with regard to them. Religious and cultural bonds that have brought two countries close to each other also were discussed during the meeting.

While expressing his regrets about the current impasse occurred in the Sri Lankan peace process, Dr. Kalaam said that one of his sincere desires was to see Sri Lanka and its people enjoying sustainable peace and prosperity.

Recollecting boat journeys he made to Sri Lanka as a child, Dr. Kalaam mentioned that he had got Sri Lankan relatives who were still living in the island. He said that and many other reasons made Sri Lanka a special place for him and he was very fond of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

The Sri Lankan delegation consisted Milinda Moragoda, MP, Mangala Moonesinghe, High Commissioner in India for Sri Lanka, Dr. V.K. Valsan, Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Saman Athaudahetti, Media Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition.