External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo today. Both the leaders are understood to have discussed a host of bilateral issues, including the ways to evolve a political solution to resolve the Tamil problem. Rajapaksa hosted Krishna this morning for the second time since Monday at 'Temple Trees'—the official residence of the President of Sri Lanka for breakfast.

Last evening, Krishna had attended the 'Thaipongal' reception hosted by the President.

The President, clad in a safari suit, warmly welcomed Krishna at his chamber who was accompanied by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G L Pieris. Krishna had on Monday set the tone for his talks saying India was committed to ensuring political settlement, including devolution of powers, to resolve the problem.

Mr. Krishna also gave the assurance to a delegation from the Tamil National Alliance, an umbrella grouping of Tamil political parties in the country, and told them that he would raise all issues that concern Tamil people during his meeting with the Sri Lankan leadership.