The attention of the Government of Sri Lanka has been drawn to recent reports of incidents of firing allegedly by Sri Lanka Navy resulting in serious injury or even death, to Indian fishermen. At least four of these reports concern incidents claimed to have taken place on the Indian side of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) demarcating the waters between the two nations. The alleged incident on 10 March 2007 in the general area South West of Kachchativu Island is reported to have caused death to an Indian fisherman.

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

The Sri Lankan Government?s economic initiatives particularly its success in implementing major infrastructure development projects amidst challenges and efforts to encourage investment of foreign and local capital into conflict affected areas were lauded by the British Chief Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms when he met with visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama today (7.3.07).

Minister Bogollagama explained to the Chief Secretary the country?s economic resilience in spite of the conflict and how it has succeeded in achieving a 7% growth rate and attracted over $. 600 Million in foreign direct investment during the course of last year. He also reiterated the Sri Lanka Government?s commitment to a negotiated settlement of the conflict in the North and East and explained the progress made in introducing constitutional reforms to devolve power in the country.

UK Applauds Sri Lanka?s approach to a constitutional solution British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett at a meeting today (7/3/07) with the visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama applauded the efforts being made by the Sri Lankan Government to bring peace to the Island and invigorate economic development. She also confirmed that the UK in the context of its valued strong bilateral relations with Sri Lanka was keen to work in supporting these initiatives which are currently underway.