President Mahinda Rajapaksa met President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela in the Libyan capital of Tripoli and was engaged in a cordial discussion on bilateral issues yesterday (Sep 2).
The two Presidents met after the grand celebrations to commemorate the 40th National 
Day held in the Libyan capital where both leaders were special invited guests of the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar El Gadaffi.
A government commentator broadcasting a report immediately after the meeting said the results of the meeting will be seen in the near future. Venezuela, the world’s fifth biggest oil exporter is following a conciliatory economic and trade policies towards the world’s poor and developing nations. Venezuela produces about three million barrels a day of crude oil, and exports about 75% of that.
Political commentators said President Mahinda Rajapaksa achieved a diplomatic coup when he was given an extraordinary place after being very cordially and warmly received by the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar El Gadaffi. At the parade President Rajapaksa was seated next to the Libyan leader behind a bullet proof glass enclosure with very many Asian and African Prime Ministers or Presidents. In the distinguished gathering the Sri Lankan leader became the cynosure of the crowd. During the parade exhibiting the close friendship Colonel Gadaffi was seen putting his arm across the shoulder of the Sri Lankan leader while chatting.
It was a proud day for both Libya and Sri Lanka as the island nation’s group of heroic forces who eradicated terrorism from the country marched in the Tripoli parade of the Libyan National Day under their beloved Lion flag fluttering in the desert wind.
The troops specially flown to Tripoli were visited by the Libyan leader on the previous day and presented with mementoes with his Presidential thanks.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said President Rajapaksa won accolades from foreign leaders who came to participate in the celebrations for vanquisihing terrorism from his country.
An eyewitness report said, “The Sri Lankan President was a main attraction among the Heads of State. The participation of the gallant troops from Sri Lanka came in for commendation from the viewers. It was a moment of pride for the President as well as the Sri Lankan population including the Muslims when the Lion flag fluttered.”
By: Walter Jayawardhana