Professor G.L.Peiris addressing World Economic Forum

Minister of Constitutional Affairs and Industrial Development, Professor G. L. Peiris who led the Sri Lankan delegation to the recently concluded World Economic Forum — India Economic Summit 2000 in New Delhi, returned to Sri Lanka On Wednesday (29) after mission to promote investment in Sri Lanka. He was invited to address the plenary of the Summit on the subject "Beyond Cooperation: What next in Global Networks?" on Monday (27) and also a special session on South Asia which focused on the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement which was held on Tuesday (28).

The Minister also called on some of his Indian counterparts during his visit. At a meeting with the Union Minister for law, Justice, Company Affairs and Shipping, Arun Jaitley. He discussed some of the efforts taken in Sri Lanka to modernize the regime of law in order to develop mechanisms that supported economic growth. He also briefed the Indian Minister on the constitutional reform process in Sri Lanka. At discussions held with Omar Abdullah, State Minister for Commerce and Industry, Minister Peiris discussed avenues to develop the textile and apparel industries in order to reap benefits for both India and Sri Lanka.

Minister Peiris called on Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh who has taken great strides in introducing information technology in the Indian State. The Sri Lankan Minister spoke of some of the initiatives being taken in Sri Lanka to develop this vibrant and dynamic sector. Professor Peiris was also received at the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) by Pramodha Majan Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Information, where they discussed matters of mutual interest. Professor Senaka Bandaranaike, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, accompanied Minister G. L. Peiris at these discussions.