Thursday, June 9 2005 21:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: Backing efforts being made to consolidate the peace process in Sri Lanka, India today (Jun 9, 2005) said its support to any outcome that accommodate the concerns and aspirations of all groups in the island nation's multi-ethnic pluralistic society "remains undiluted".

"The Government and people of India remain firmly committed in their support for efforts being made by the Government and people of Sri Lanka to consolidate the processes of peace and to promote development in their country," External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh said in a statement on his arrival Colombo on a three-day visit.

"India's support for an outcome that accommodates the concerns and aspirations of all the groups that constitute Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic pluralistic society, while upholding and preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, remains undiluted," he said.

Singh will tomorrow call on President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and lead the Indian delegation for the meeting of the India-Sri Lankan Joint Commission to discuss ways to advance bilateral cooperation on matters pertaining to finance, trade and investment, education and culture, science and technology.

"I am eager to discuss with my Sri Lankan colleagues ways and means to advance bilateral cooperation on matters pertaining to finance, trade and investment; education and culture; science and technology, which are on the agenda," Singh said.

He said such cooperation was "tangible evidence" of India's commitment to Sri Lanka's economic development and progress, and the strengthening of the democratic and inclusive nature of Sri Lankan society.

The visit is made in the backdrop of a rift in Sri Lanka's ruling coalition over President Kumaratunga's plan to share tsunami aid with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Kumaratunga travelled to India last week to seek New Delhi's support for her Government's peace moves with the Tigers. However, she now risks splitting the coalition and the inevitable collapse of the government if she goes ahead with the aid deal.