Iran president to visit Sri Lanka - BBC News

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in Sri Lanka on the 2nd leg of his circuit of South Asia.

Mr Ahmadinejad will see a refinery and hydro-electric and irrigation strategies that have got received Persian aid.

Iran is emerging as a major economical giver in Sri Lanka which is under pressure level on human rights issues as warfare have resumed with the Tamil Tigers.

Mr Ahmadinejad held negotiation in Islamic Republic Of Pakistan on Monday, and is also owed to see Republic Of India during his trip to the region.

Policy shift

Sri Lanka's authorities have hailed his visit as cementing dealings with Iran.

The working capital is festooned with flags, and measure boards proclaiming "Traditional Asiatic Solidarity".

The BBC's Roland Buerk in Capital Of Sri Lanka states the island state is slowly turning towards Asiatic states which offering more giver money than traditional Western allies as well as less unfavorable judgment over human rights.

Foreign Secretary Dr Palitha Kohona told the BBC: "Asians don't hector each other from public pulpits. They're more ready with aid and less ready with gratuitous advice."

Our letter writer states Sri Lanka have come up under pressure level from some states over its human rights record as warfare have resumed with Tamil Tiger Rebels fighting for independency in the island's North and east.

In March a United States state section study accused authorities military units and allied reserves of unlawful killing, torture, hostage-taking and extortion with impunity.

During his visit President Ahmadinejad will tour development undertakings which Islamic Republic Of Iran is helping to fund.

Iran have already agreed soft loans and grants of $1.9bn for a hydroelectric and irrigation strategy and to upgrade a refinery, as well as to purchase Persian oil.

China have also come up forward with money for a new port and other projects.