Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has agreed to grant an amnesty to 200 Sri Lankans languishing in Lebanese jails, following a request by visiting Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando.

Minister Fernando said these stranded Sri Lankan migrants especially those who had arrived in Lebanon before the war and are now old, feeble and sick and cannot trace their employers. They are also unable to pay the penalty on accumulated visa charges, enabling them to return to Sri Lanka.

In response to this request, the Lebanese President agreed to grant an amnesty for these 200 Sri Lankans to leave the country without a penalty, a Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

During the visit, Fernando also called on Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Foreign Minister Jean Obeid, Minister of Economy and Trade Marwan Hamade and Minister of Labour Assad Hardan.

The visitng minister also discussed with the President issues of relevance and importance to the two countries and the latest developments on the current peace process in Sri Lanka. They noted that both countries are now reaping peace dividends after 20 years of war.

In response to a question by Lebanese Foreign Minister Jean Obeid whether peace would return to Sri Lanka, Minister Fernando explained the current developments of the ongoing peace process and the ceasefire which has held for the past 18 months.

During his meeting with the prime minister, the visiting minister discussed bilateral, regional and international affairs. The talks also focused on labour matters, the spokesman said.

Talks with the Trade Minister will pave the way for enhanced trade opportunities and economic ties between the two nations. The discussions with the Lebanese Labour Minister will lead to the elimination of delays in payment of salaries to Sri Lankan workers, he said.

Minister Fernando was accompanied by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. M. M. M. Musheen.