President Mahinda Rajapaksa met British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his country residence. Pix by Sudath Silva

“It was a significant meeting because Mr Blair made time available during his holiday to meet the president,” Dr Kohona told BBC Sinhala.

The meeting, which took place at the prime minister’s official country residence, Chequers, just outside London, was announced unexpectedly earlier this week.

Asked what was discussed between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Blair, Dr Kohona said it was inappropriate for him to reveal what took place during a private discussion between the two leaders.

"Friendly atmosphere"

But he said the president and prime minister exchanged views in a very friendly atmosphere.

“The entire discussion was conducted in a very warm manner. There was extreme understanding of the situation in Sri Lanka,” Dr Kohona said.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman at Mr Blair’s office told the BBC that the two leaders discussed the political situation in Sri Lanka and general global issues.

The entire discussion was conducted in a very warm manner. There was extreme understanding of the situation in Sri Lanka Dr Palitha Kohona

The talks came against a background of worsening violence between government forces and the Tamil Tigers.

Asked if the British government agreed to assist Sri Lanka solve the ongoing crisis, Dr Kohona said he was unable to disclose what was discussed.

Continued co-operation

But he said Sri Lanka and Britain have had a very close historical relationship and this relationship is the basis on which any assistance provided to Sri Lanka will be provided.

“The two governments will continue to discuss and co-operate on these matters,” he added.