Nothing sensational about Pranab8217;s visit: Lanka

Leader of House in Sri Lankan Parliament and Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said Mukherjee8217;s visit was to further strengthen the good relations between India and Sri Lanka and express its support for eradicating terrorism.

8220;There is nothing secret about Pranab Mukherjee8217;s visit,8221; the Minister said,adding that India itself was very keen and supportive in eradicating terrorism of which it has been a victim.

8220;I was there in India when the Mumbai terror attacked took place. I found that Indian politicians are committed in eradicating terrorism8221;,De Silva said after the Cabinet meeting.

Mukherjee had rushed to Colombo on Tuesday to discuss the latest situation in the northern part of the island nation. His visit came in the wake of strong demands by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and some other parties from the state that Mukherjee should visit Sri Lanka and prevail upon the government to go for ceasefire with the LTTE.

During his talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse,Mukherjee sought an assurance from him that safety of civilians will be kept under consideration during the offensive against LTTE.