Minister Peiris briefed his South African counterpart about Sri Lanka’s own initiatives, including its own Office of Missing Persons and Office of Reparations and their contribution towards Sri Lanka’s post conflict development and national unity. The Minister highlighted that Sri Lanka had closely looked at South Africa’s rich experience and unique history in the areas of reconciliation and truth, and while noting that many aspects were particular to South Africa’s own national experience, Sri Lanka had carefully reflected on some aspects of this experience. He said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had attended the funeral of the late President Nelson Mandela. The Minister also recalled fondly his close friendships and connections with prominent and leading South African Minister Dullah Omar, and leading personalities Roelf Meyer and Ebrahim Ebrahim, who played pivotal roles in the freedom struggle against the Apartheid government and several visits undertaken to South Africa at a High Level. Minister Peiris recalled his long association with South Africa dating to his Doctoral work where he had visited South African Universities and conducted a series of lectures on Constitutional Law. Minister Pandor congratulated the Minister on his appointment as Foreign Minister and recalled the close and friendly bilateral ties between the two countries.
