President Chandrika Kumaratunga at the head table flanked by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

President Kumaratunga lighting the traditional oil lamp.

President Kumaratunga arriving at the donor summit. Accompanying her are Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, D. M. Jayaratne and Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

President Kumaratunga addressing the gathering.

One of the donor representatives addressing the gathering

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera exchanging pleasantries with some delegates.

VIP guests at the aid summit (left to right) Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Kandy Mayor Kesara Senanayake, Ministers A. H. M. Fowzie, Ferial Ashraff and Tissa Karalliyadde.

PICTURES BY DUDLEY WICKREMASINGHE