"An example to other countries battered by terrorism" 

The President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, in discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaka on the sidelines of the 63rd Session of the UN General Assembly, praised the determination of the Sri Lankan Government to eliminate terrorism, which he described as "an example to other countries that are also battered by terrorism". 

The Turkish President also applauded the steps taken by the Government to address the grievances of the internally displaced people due to the on going conflict with the terrorists.

The two leaders also discussed issues such as promotion of tourism and increasing flight operations between the two countries.

 "As much as Sri Lanka, Turkey too was facing a separatist terrorist problem. Turkey too had a long experience about the acts of terrorists and the humanitarian operations carried out by the Sri Lanka Government led by President Rajapaksa was a great example to the whole world", the Turkish President was quoted as saying.

President Rajapaksa, recalling the cooperation extended by the Government of Turkey during the post-tsunami reconstruction activities, extended his sincere gratitude on behalf of all Sri Lankans.