<b>Ranil answers questions on meeting Bush</b>

The Island

Stakeout with Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe following meeting with US President George W. Bush

Q: Good morning, Mr. Prime Minister.

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Morning. Do you start or do I start? I had a very good meeting with the President. I thanked President Bush for all the support he has given us and for his commitment to help the peace process to go forward in Sri Lanka. We reviewed the international developments and we had a further discussion with the national security advisor.

Q: What (special?) commitments — (inaudible) — from the President — (inaudible) — on the peace process in Sri Lanka?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Pardon?

Q: Commitments?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: President Bush and the U.S. government have given us all the encouragement to go ahead with the political process to bring peace to Sri Lanka, a peace based on equality, human rights, rule of law, in other words democracy.

Q: Sir, have you gotten any kind of commitment in terms of U.S. aid?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: We came here to discuss mainly about the political process — the peace process in Sri Lanka. And I’ve got all the support I want for that. We have looked at expanding trade investment. That’s coming through. And we’ve also applied to the Millennium Challenge account, where I feel Sri Lanka has all the criteria that is necessary to succeed. So, these were the issues that we discussed.

Q: (Off mike).

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Pardon?

Q: What support do you need from the United States? And what kind of support...

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: The backing that he has given me has been a tremendous help. I want that to continue, and even before I said that, he said we will continue giving you all that support. We want to see a peaceful Sri Lanka. We want to see a Sri Lanka that is — has respect for human rights, for the rule of law.

Q: What kind of commitment, support — (inaudible) — that he has given, and what kind of commitments —

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: From the very beginning. When the President of the United States and the Government said we are behind you, that means a lot.

Q: What did you ask him? And what do you want from the United States?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: I thanked him for what we had done. And I said to continue that support. And that’s what he’s done.

Q: And as far as —

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: We’ll find a way to sit down and sort ourselves out. I don’t think anyone else can do it. The people themselves want peace.

Q: Trade opportunities?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: We also discussed about trade opportunities and investment opportunities.

Q: (Off mike).

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: This is a safety net.

Q: In some cases, if you — (inaudible) — the safety net —

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Getting the support of the international community, of the United States, of Europe, of India is essential for the peace process to go ahead. And Japan, China. That’s why I said with the international community. It’s a safety net to ensure peace is maintained.

Q: Sir, can you describe the role India has played as far as Sri Lanka-India Affairs.... (inaudible)?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: India is playing a very important role. The Government of India and the Government of the United States are in touch with each other about the Sri Lankan situation. We welcome that. And I must have a word of praise for the Norwegian Government, the facilitators. Without them, we would not have come this far. And the many others there who are also helping us. But there is a pivotal role that’s being played by the Norwegian facilitators, the Government of India and the Government of the United States.

Q: And back home? Finally, back home, how are you dealing with the two communities — (inaudible)?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Well, the two communities are coming together, (and I’ll?) bring the two parties together.

Q: (Off mike).

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: I feel stronger. (Phrase in Sinhala).

Q: Is there any reason?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Yes. When you meet the President and he says, "I am behind you. But carry on with the good work", that really gives me strength. It gives Sri Lanka strength.

Q: Mr. Prime Minister what does it mean, this word "I am behind you", or "We are behind you". I mean, what he meant or what you —

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Well, look at the support they have been giving us in these issues.

Q: In the fight against terrorism or trade.

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: To bring peace to Sri Lanka. That’s the main thing.

Q: Where is the peace process now? At what step... how far do you think?

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Well, it will go forward. By August 2nd, we would have left the temples and the schools. The restriction on fishing has been removed. It’s a symbol that we want peace, and we are removing all the irritants to the Tamil people. From there onwards, we’ll have to... we’ll go across for talks. I have no problems about that.

Q: Thank you, Sir.

Prime Min. Wickremesinghe: Thank you. Thank you.

(Unofficial script)

-The Island -