Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, had a comprehensive discussion on developments in Sri Lanka with Senator John Faulkner, Australia’s Minister of Defence. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, attended by Defence Ministers from 21 countries.

Senator Faulkner thanked Prof. Peiris for the consistent support and co-operation which the government of Sri Lanka had extended to the Australian authorities with regard to combating people smuggling - a problem with which Australia has had to contend in recent months.

Prof. Peiris assured the Australian Minister of the strong continuing commitment of the government of Sri Lanka in this regard.

The Sri Lanka and Australian Ministers discussed in detail the avenues of extended cooperation between the two governments with regard to training, investment and trade.