Sri Lanka keen to maintain good neighborly relations

Colombo, July 7 (Xinhua-ANI): Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday told his country's ambassadors and high commissioners posted overseas to maintain good relations with the island's neighbors.

Addressing the opening of a two day workshop for the envoys just outside the capital, Rajapaksa noted that the world was now focused on Asia as the region was rising above the rest.

Rajapaksa's office quoted him as saying that the world has recognized the fact that Sri Lanka has achieved peace after 30 years of war and there is no state of emergency, no high security zones, no landmines and no checkpoints.

All Sri Lankan ambassadors and high commissioners posted at missions overseas are attending the two day workshop where they are being briefed on Sri Lanka's future policies.

Rajapaksa said that the people who suffered for 30 years due to terrorism are now enjoying the fruits of peace as normalcy has been restored.

Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009 after 30 years of bitter fighting which saw thousands being killed or injured.

However despite the end of the war Sri Lanka continues to face pressure to investigate allegations of human rights abuses committed during the final stages of the fighting.

Most western countries also support calls for a UN investigation in Sri Lanka but the government insists it will not agree to such an investigation. (Xinhua-ANI)