It was Mr.Pranab Mukeherjee's first visit to Sri Lanka after assuming the charge of India's External Affairs Ministry in October last year. The two day visit , on 9th and 10th of January 2007, was mainly to extend Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh's invitation to the Sri Lankan President Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse to attend the 14th SAARC Summit, slated to be held in the Indian capital in the first week of April this year. It was a quite warm and cordial welcome for the External Affairs Minister as he disembarked from the Special Aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Mr.Mangala Samaraweera, and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were there to receive Mr.Mukherjee at the VVIP lounge at Katunayake International Airport.

Mr.Mukherjee called on President Rajapakse at 'The Temple Trees' same day evening and formally requested him to attend the SAARC Summit by handing over a letter of invitation from Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Sri Lankan leader while accepting New Delhi's invitation noted that he is looking forward to the Summit which will coincide with the regional grouping launching 'new initiatives to bring economic progress to the South Asian region'. President Rajapakse also pledged to New Delhi full support of Colombo towards successful hosting the event.

A visit by a senior leader from India to its southern neighbour is always looked upon as quite a significant event. It was the case with Mr.Mukherjee's visit as well. Soon after extending invitation to President Rajapakse both the leaders held a one-to-one meeting. This was followed talks on 'matters of mutual interest pertaining to the bilateral relationship'. According to the office of Sri Lankan President 'the areas covered included trade and economic cooperation, the promotion of cultural and people to people contacts, and the peace process in Sri Lanka'.
Besides calling on Prime Minister Mr.Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, Mr.Mukherjee held wide ranging bilateral talks with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Mr.Mangala Samaraweera. Besides India' High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr.Alok Prasad, other senior officers of the Ministry of External Affairs also took part in all the hectic series of meetings.Well before Mr.Mukherjee's arrival at Colombo, the media and political circles were eagerly looking forward to the nature and extent of his deliberations with the Sri Lankan leaders. The latest situation in restive eastern and northern regions of the island nation, humanitarian crisis befallen on civilian population, regional security were among the issues of concern.

Speaking exclusively to Prasar Bharati Mr.Mukherjee said that the current security situation in the island nation certainly came up during the deliberations with the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. 'Discussions were very fruitful. Though my basic objective was to hand over the invitation to the President to attend the SAARC Summit we discussed the situation prevailing in Sri Lanka. We agreed that a solution has to be found through peaceful means of negotiations and dialogue and the process of devolution should be expedited. Referring to Colombo's efforts to find a political solution to the decades long ethnic crisis, the Indian Foreign Minister appreciated the Sri Lankan Government's efforts to explore the possibilities for an honourable peace and meaningful devolution. "I understand President Rajapakse is now examining a report by the All Party Representatives Conference on devolution of powers...he (Mr.Rajapakse) is taking to various political parties and trying to bring about a consensus...", the Indian Foreign Minister said.

The External Affairs Minister added that while New Delhi was concerned of the overall security situation it is also aware of the miseries of the displaced civilian population. "Those persons who have been displaced should be rehabilitated; humanitarian aid should be provided, there should not be any civilian causality... these had been always India's concern", Mr.Mukherjee added.

President Rajapakse is nursing high hopes on the All party Representative Conference (APRC) to arrive at a consensus on the vexed issue of devolution. He told this to the visiting Indian leader. While sharing with Mr.Mukherjee the measures taken to ensure security while perusing peace, the Sri Lankan leader reiterated his steadfast commitment to a negotiated [political solution to the ethnic crisis.

The ties between New Delhi and Colombo had been solid and sound, well beyond the confines of any regional groupings. It had been tested and trusted, over the years. Mr.Pranab Mukherjee's two day visit was a yet another land mark in that relationship of excellence.