Given the challenges posed by the increase in food prices and energy costs, regional responses for food security and energy self sufficiency would be high on the SAARC Summit agenda, it was revealed yesterday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. The Minister handed over to the two Indian leaders the letters inviting them to the SAARC Summit and its antecedent meeting of the Council of Ministers to be held in Colombo from July 31 to August 5, 2008, while also briefing them on current developments in Sri Lanka and consulting on the key issues before SAARC. Minister Bogollagama emphasised the positive outcome of the recently held election to the Eastern Provincial Council, which took place on the basis of almost all the major political parties in Sri Lanka participating in the contest and with an electoral turnout of over 65 per cent. The Government of Sri Lanka is now looking forward to working closely with the newly elected Chief Minister and his Board of Ministers, for the successful application of the provisions of the 13th Amendment and for the rapid development of the Province, he said. The Foreign Minister emphasised that continuity of the valuable work done by the past Chairs of SAARC, would be a guiding principle for Sri Lanka's stewardship of the Association. At the same time, Sri Lanka would endeavour to engage the peoples of the region as closely as possible in the work and programmes of SAARC. Minister Bogollagama's discussions in Delhi took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality and warmth. The Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister appreciated the briefing on current developments in Sri Lanka. They expressed their thanks for the invitations and affirmed that India is looking forward to working closely with the host country Sri Lanka, for the success of the forthcoming SAARC Summit in Colombo. Minister Bogollagama before his departure on the evening of June 16, met with the New Delhi based media at the Foreign Correspondents' Club.