Wickremasinghe briefs PM on federal solution to Tamil issue

While there may have been scheduling problems, sources pointed out that it was politically significant to have the visit now when the Sri Lankan President was in Islamabad.

Wickremasinghe had a close working relationship with the Indian leadership during his years as PM. In fact, many in New Delhi believed he would emerge victorious in the elections last year. While that did not happen, the government is keen to keep the channel open with him.

The talk of enhanced defence cooperation with Pakistan did have officials in Delhi concerned, but nothing concrete was indicated in the joint statement. It was during Wickremasinghe8217;s time that India and Sri Lanka had started talks on a long term defence cooperation agreement. However, this is still to be firmed up.

Colombo has been pressing for an early conclusion to the agreement but matters are still on hold in Delhi. It8217;s learnt that some Sri Lankan officials may be visiting India in the coming days to provide an overview of Rajapakse8217;s visit to Pakistan.