The Indian government making a statement in the aftermath of the visit of two Sri Lankan ministers expressed ‘support for the process in Sri Lanka”  and “to the restoration of a lasting peace through a peaceful negotiated settlement that meets the just aspirations of all sections of Sri Lankan society”.

Government spokesperson Navtej Saarna said:  “India once again expresses support for the peace process in Sri Lanka and reiterates its commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and to the restoration of lasting peace through a peaceful, negotiated settlement that meets the just aspirations of all sections of society”.

The Indian government however stood firm on  its decision to not participate in the Oslo conference, despite recent meetings with Ministers Milinda Moragoda and Rauff Hakeem.  The two ministers met the Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and the National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.

Indian High Commission sources said that India would not participate in the conference but one of their diplomats in Norway would attend some sessions, i.e. the opening and closing sessions to which diplomatic missions would receive an invitation.

Mr. Saarna’s statement also made reference to the Indian support for the “immediate development and economic welfare needs of the people of Sri Lanka”.  “India was one of the first countries to commit itself to economic assistance to Sri Lanka”, he said.

Following is the full text of the statement.

In the spirit of close and friendly relations between India and Sri  Lanka we have recently received Minister Science and Technology and Economic Reforms, Milinda Moragoda and Minister of Port Development and Shipping, Eastern Development and Muslim Religious Affairs, Rauff Hakeem.  It is in the context of the ongoing process of close consultation that both ministers met External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.

India once again expresses support for the peace process in Sri Lanka and reiterates its commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and to the restoration of lasting peace through a peaceful negotiated settlement that meets the just aspirations of all section of  Sri Lankan society.