SM Krishna in Sri Lanka on four-day visit

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrived in Colombo on Monday on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the country's top leadership and tour the war-ravaged northern areas.

Krishna was warmly welcomed by his counterpart G L Peiris at the Bandaranaike International Airport, around 36 kms from Colombo. The two spent 15-30 minutes together at the VIP lounge before flying off to the capital in a helicopter.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, Krishna will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne besides holding extensive talks with Peiris. He will also meet the leader of opposition and leaders of Tamil National Alliance and Sri Lankan Muslim Congress.

Besides, Colombo, he will visit the Tamil-dominated areas of Jaffna, Kilinochi and Galle, and also the Indian Peacekeeping Force Memorial located outside Colombo.

At least four pacts are expected to be signed covering areas like housing, railways, agriculture and telecom, during the visit.