Colombo, Oct 15: India and Sri Lanka today called for early adoption of the proposed comprehensive convention on terrorism at the UN, saying this would send a strong signal that the international community was united and determined in its efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. Both sides sought early conclusion of the proposed additional protocol to the SAARC convention on suppression of terrorism, a statement, issued at the end of the meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo, said. The Joint Commission, led by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and his Sri Lankan counterpart Tyronne Fernando, emphasised the need for concerted efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides recalled the obligations devolving on states under the UN Security Council Resolution 1373, the international convention on the suppression of financing of terrorism and the Kathmandu declaration at last year's SAARC summit, concerning criminalisation of financing for terrorist purposes and the need to prevent the abuse of financial systems of states. The Indian side included Nirupam Sen, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and officials from mea and ministries of home, shipping, science and technology besides representatives from the departments of economic affairs, animal husbandry and ocean development.
Bureau Report