During the visit of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Colombo, the two countries signed comprehensive cooperation agreements on issues ranging from developmental assistance, political consultation and on sports development. Tehran would also be providing $450 million dollars for developing hydro-power projects and oil refineries in Sri Lanka1.

In domestic developments, UNP’s Ranil Wikremsinghe has vowed to pass an Act in parliament towards disarming the armed groups, if he wins the forthcoming elections2. The UNP has also urged the Election Commission to take action in order to disarm illegal armed groups in the East. This issue has been seen as critical towards the conduct of free and fair elections3.

The International Independent Group of Eminent Personnel (IIGEP) has meanwhile clarified its initial charge that the Sri Lankan government lacked political will to probe into human rights violations. P.N Bhagwati explained that the panel had emphasized on institutional and political will to investigate human rights violations4.

• 1. “Sri Lanka and Iran respect their territorial integrity, says Iran President,” Colombo Page, April 29, 2008, at http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/April29112208JR.html
• 2. “Parliamentary act against armed groups once PC polls won,” Colombo Page, May 1, 2008, at http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May131828JR.html
• 3. “Sri Lanka's main opposition requests Election commissioner to disarm armed groups in the East,” Colombo Page, May 4, 2008, at http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/May4150318JR.html
• 4. “IIGEP clarifies its stance over political will of the government on ACF investigations,” Colombo Page, April 29, 2008, at http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/April29164440JV.html