GL on ‘private leave’ in Britain

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris is on "private leave" in Britain the whole of next week, acting Sri Lankan High Commissioner P.M. Amza said yesterday.

Minister Peiris arrived in London on an official visit this week from Prague and met a crossparty group of lawmakers, Defence Minister Liam Fox and the deputy ministers of Trade and Investment and Foreign Affairs.

Minister Peiris did not meet his British counterpart William Hague. The Minister's official programme concludes tomorrow and he will be on leave till April 10, Mr. Amza said.