SAARC leaders hold bilateral talks with President Rajapakse Heads of State reaching the island for the 15th SAARC Summit hold bilateral talks with President Rajapakse. On Demand Video 7'O clock Full News 7'O clock Headlines Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Rajapakse met this afternoon to further strengthen bilateral ties. The meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon. He was accorded a warm welcome by President Rajapskse on his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat. The President expressed his gratitude to the Indian leader for the support extended to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan and Indian State Officials were present at this meeting. Nepal's Caretaker Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala met the President at the Presidential Secretariat this morning for bilateral talks. The President apprised him of his effort to find a solution to the national conflict via the All Party Conference. The Nepalese Prime Minister lauded this effort. Both leaders agreed to develop Lumbini as the most sacred and attractive tourist destination in the region. State officials were present. Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley also called on President Rajapakse this morning and had bilateral talks. Their discussions centred on main challenges confronting the two countries and on the climate change. The Bhutanese leader drew special attention to the development programme mooted by the President and his government despite the challenges confronting the country. State officials of the two countries were present. Bangladesh Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed who also reached the island for the Summit had bilateral talks with President Rajapakse at the Presidential Secretariat. They focussed attention on expanding direct flights between Dhaka and Colombo. They took cognizance of enthroning democracy in the two countries. The President's efforts to grant democratic rights of the eastern polity earned accolades from Mr. Ahmed. Among those present were state officials of the two countries.