New Delhi, Oct 19: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will hold talks with Indian leadership here tomorrow mainly focussed on bolstering defence and economic cooperation including upgrading the free trade pact between the two countries. During talks with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on a host of issues, Wickremesinghe, who commences a four-day visit, is expected to brief him on the status of the Norwegian-backed peace process being pursued by Colombo with the LTTE.

His visit takes place close on the heels of the trip of External Affairs Yashwant Sinha to Colombo for attending the meeting of the India-Sri Lanka joint commission. Indian officials said the entire gamut of bilateral ties is likely to figure during the parleys. The leaders would also exchange views on important regional and international issues.

The Sri Lankan leader, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, will also have meetings with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and Defence Minister George Fernandes besides leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi. In Colombo, Sri Lankan officials said Wickremesinghe would pursue stronger trade and military ties with India during the visit.

The Sri Lankan side is expected to seek India's assistance for providing more training opportunities for its military personnel in defence colleges in this country.

Bureau Report