Sri Lankan President wants Indias moral support

Visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse today said that his government seeks moral support from India in resolving its ethnic problem.

New Delhi, Oct 13 : Visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse today said that his government seeks moral support from India in resolving its ethnic problem.

"What we need is moral support. That is more than enough," Rajapakse replied when asked about the help sought by Colombo from New Delhi.

He said that India has given them military assistance, but now it seeks moral support.

He also said that New Delhi should provide 'dynamic' and 'strong economic leadership' to the South Asia region, adding that his vision is of an India that can never be separated from his vision for Sri Lanka.

"India must, while stabilizing itself as an economic power house, help the neighbouring countries too to become economically stable," he added.

He made these remarks at a function organised by a national daily.

Rajapakse, who arrived here on Friday night, is on a two-day visit of the country.

He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader Of Opposition, L K Advani.

Sri Lanka is facing hostile conditions after the breakdown of the peace talks with the LTTE.

ANI