Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday expressed the hope that there would be comprehensive engagement between India and Sri Lanka to find an honourable solution to the problems of the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Interacting with a 10-member parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka led by its Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Ms. Kumar referred to the expanding relationship between the two countries in various spheres, including in resettlement of internally displaced persons and urged for more people-to-people contact.
Ms. Kumar apologised for the raising of slogans by some members when the team was witnessing the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. The delegation also watched the Rajya Sabha in session.
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The visiting Speaker said the two nations shared many cultural and social values, and should facilitate enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Mr. Rajapaksa later made a courtesy call on Sushma Swaraj, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Ms. Swaraj told a news conference that she would be visiting Sri Lanka on September 17 and 18 and use the opportunity to travel to Jaffna.