Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday morning had a breakfast meeting with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest between the two countries.<br/> <br/>A senior official from the President House indicated that that the meeting was cordial. <br/> <br/>Aspects of international economic issues and the current political situation in the island nation were discussed during the meeting. <br/> <br/>Mr. Mukherjee, who was here primarily to deliver the fourth Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture, paid homage at the Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy. <br/> <br/>He is scheduled to fly back to New Delhi Sunday afternoon. <br/> <br/>Though Mr. Mukherjee’s visit was planned some time ago, it has acquired a special significance in the light of the fast-changing political scenario after President Rajapaksa on Thursday granted permission to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Sarath Fonseka, to retire with immediate effect, and the possibility of the General entering the Presidential race. <br/> <br/>With the departure of Mr. Mukherjee, all eyes are now on a crucial speech Mr. Rajapaksa is scheduled to make at the convention of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). <br/> <br/>The convention, being held here from 2 to 7 PM, is expected to consider dates Every one is eagerly waiting to see if Mr. President would stick to his original plan to call a Presidential election before the general election, as indicated in his July interview to The Hindu, after the exist of Gen. Fonseka from the military and his open projection as a possible consensus candidate against Mr. Rajapaksa. <br/> <br/>The 19th Convention of the SLFP is a mega affair and is seen as a show of strength by the Government ahead of the polls. <br/> <br/>Over 100,000 party members, supporters and a foreign delegation representing 39 countries including two Congress Rajya Sabha MPs are participating in the event. <br/>