Feb 28, Colombo: Shimon Peres, President of Israel, while commending Sri Lanka for eradicating terrorism has offered his country's assistance to develop Sri Lanka's economy, the External Affairs Ministry said Thursday.

Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has received the Israel President's assurance when the two met at the President's Office in Jerusalem on Tuesday (26).

Minister Peiris has explained to President Peres the Sri Lankan government's measures to carry forward development and reconciliation after the three-decade long conflict and the progress achieved with the measures.

The Minister has pointed out that Sri Lanka's approach based on economic development will benefit all the people in the country and explained the benefits already flowing in from the major infrastructure projects such as building highways, railroad systems, harbours and airports.

Minister Peiris has briefed President Peres about the challenges which Sri Lanka is currently facing at the international level.

The Israeli President, reaffirming his country's assistance to Sri Lanka, has asked the Sri Lankan Minister what areas of Israeli expertise would benefit Sri Lanka the most. In response Sri Lankan Minister has noted the Israel's special expertise with regard to water and irrigation, especially drip irrigation techniques.

Among the other fields identified for collaboration were micro finance for cottage industries and small and medium scale rural projects and skills development among youth by having recourse to information technology.

Minister Peiris and President Peres have agreed on the importance of strengthening links among the business communities in the two countries to operationalize projects in the selected fields rapidly.