Uncertainty goes as Sri Lanka reaffirms joining
Rezaul Karim
Uncertainty over holding of the 13th Saarc summit in Dhaka scheduled for November 12-13 has been removed with Sri Lanka reaffirming participation in the summit despite its presidential election around that time.The August 17 bomb blasts across the country, assassination of Sri Lankan foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and presidential election in that country had made the twice-postponed summit somewhat uncertain. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka told The Daily Star the Sri Lankan government yesterday reaffirmed that President Chandrika Kumaratunga would attend the summit. Kumaratunga's participation was confirmed by Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary HMGS Palihakkara in telephonic talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Hemayetuddin. Foreign Ministry Adviser Reaz Rahman, who was due to leave for Colombo yesterday to discuss Sri Lanka's participation in the summit, cancelled his visit following the confirmation. Presidential election Sri Lanka should be held between October 22 and November 21, the country's Supreme Court said in a verdict recently. Palihakkara reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to the Saaarc process and told Hemayet Colombo sincerely wants the Dhaka summit to take place as scheduled, and will provide all cooperation in making it a success. Sri Lankan authorities would announce schedule of the presidential election keeping in view the Saarc summit, official sources said. They pointed out that during the last few years, Sri Lanka played an important role in promoting the concept of South Asian Preferential Trade Arrangement (Sapta). Both the major political parties of the country are equally committed to the success of Saarc. The 13th summit has been postponed twice -- first due to the tsunami disaster and again following India's last-minute backtracking on grounds of political developments in Nepal and security concerns in Dhaka. Meanwhile, Dhaka has started preparations in full swing to hold the summit in due time. Official sources said the SAARC Security Committee at the home ministry at a meeting yesterday took a series of decisions to ensure full-proof security of the heads of state and government who will attend the summit, and maintain law and order. State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar chaired the meeting.
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