Indian FM in Sri Lanka

The Indian foreign minister, Jaswant Singh, has met the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, on the first day of his official visit to Sri Lanka.

He'll also be holding talks with other political leaders, including those from the opposition.

It's thought that Mr Singh will use his visit to underline India's support for a political solution to the conflict between the Tamil Tiger rebels and the Sri Lankan government.

The BBC correspondent in Colombo says Sri Lanka believes India has certain obligations because it supported Tamil groups in earlier years and is committed to keeping Sri Lanka united.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service