Aug 14, Colombo: India appreciated Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's order yesterday to release all Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on the occasion of India's Independence Day that is celebrated tomorrow.

The High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha expressed his appreciation for the President's gesture when he called on the President this morning at Temple Trees.

The Indian High Commissioner also briefed the President on the Indian CEO's Forum that is set to take place this week in line with Indian Independence Day celebrations in Sri Lanka.

When the President pointed out that there are quite a number of company CEOs in Sri Lanka that are of Indian origin, Mr. Sinha said, "They are very happy here."

"Government policies are very investor-friendly," High Commissioner Sinha further said. "A lot of cooperation is happening."

The High Commissioner also presented President Rajapaksa with a publication titled "India & Sri Lanka: A Partnership That Transcends Time," which was published by the Indian High Commission and launched yesterday by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

The publication provides a glimpse into the extensive and multi-sectoral Development Cooperation Partnership between India and Sri Lanka, which has expanded significantly since the end of the armed conflict in 2009.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris was present at the meeting.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)