Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, held discussions with Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Minister Peiris described to the Prime Minister Sri Lanka’s inherent strengths and resources, and the toll which three decades of terrorist activity had taken on the country’s development. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the defeat of terrorism represented a singular achievement which lays the foundation for rapid development in the near future. Prof. Peiris briefed Prime Minister Netanyahu about the work currently being done in Sri Lanka with regard to economic progress and reconciliation, and the structured programme being implemented. He spoke of the challenges confronting Sri Lanka at the present time, and the need for the country to be afforded the space and opportunity to continue with its internal processes.
Prime Minister Netanyahu shared with Minister Peiris Israel’s own experience and challenges, and observed that Israel looks forward to working with Sri Lanka in achieving her goals for the benefit of her people.
Prof. Peiris called on President Shimon Peres of Israel and also had discussions with Mr. Dan Meridor, Deputy Prime Minister of Israel.
He delivered an address on the theme “Sri Lanka: Peace and Reconciliation” at the University of Tel Aviv.
