The two countries’ foreign ministers signed an agreement under which India would assist Sri Lanka in developing its industrial and education sectors.
In reply to a newsman’s question, Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said ‘certain procedures’ needed to be followed before the air accord took effect. “Yes we will accept Indian assistance for air defence and we already have cooperation in that regard, but there are certain procedures to be followed.”
Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh said India would support Colombo’s plan for the sharing of tsunami aid with the Tamil Tigers, but reiterated that Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity should not be compromised.
“The Indian stand is that it would support a solution acceptable to all communities within a framework of a united country,” Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said.