President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday told the visiting Indian delegation, led by Indian National Security Advisor N. K. Narayan, that the government had taken all precautions to ensure the safety of the civilians fleeing from the clutches of the LTTE. He said fears expressed in some quarters of the safety of civilians were unfounded.

Government sources said President had told the delegation that it was quite capable of handling the huge influx of IDPs and the rescue operations would continue.

President Rajapaksa appreciated India’s concern about the IDPs and thanked her for the humanitarian assistance provided. He said the international community could assist Sri Lanka more in looking after the displaced people.

Although the Indian delegation voiced concern over the plight of the IDPs, sources said a Ceasefire Agreement had not figured in talks.

The Indian delegation comprised National Security Advisor M. K. Narayan, Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon and Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Alok Prasad. Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa joined President Rajapaksa in the talks.