Khurshid arrives in Colombo for talks with Sri Lankan leadership(Update/Khurshid Visit/Sri Lanka)

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid arrived in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Monday on a two day visit.

Accompanied by his wife, Louise Khurshid, the minister was received by Sri Lanka's Social Services Minister Felix Perera.

This is Khurshid's first visit to Sri Lanka since assuming charge as India's External Affairs Minister last year.

During the visit, Khurshid will hold discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart Professor G.L. Peiris on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

Issues relating to Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen are likely to be a major focus of the discussions, as the number of Indian fishermen arrested so far in 2013, exceeds the annual number arrested last year.

India attaches high priority to the welfare, safety and security of its fishermen, and has emphasized the need to address the issue in a humanitarian manner.

The discussions between both ministers are also likely to focus on trade, investment and development cooperation.

The Indian External Affairs Minister will also call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In addition, he is scheduled to meet leaders from across the spectrum of the Sri Lankan polity and pay his respects at the IPKF Memorial.

He is also scheduled to visit Jaffna, and review the ongoing development projects being undertaken there with Indian assistance, including a flagship project to provide 50,000 housing units.

During his visit to the Northern Province, Khurshid plans to meet with the Governor and the Chief Minister.