The New York Times (November 11, 1979)
President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh ended a visit here this week by signing new agreements with Sri Lanka on economic and technical cooperation and shipping.
The President told reporters shortly before his departure: “We are very satisfied with our visit. We have opened our hearts to each other.”
Tension existed between the two countries for several years because Bangladesh felt the Government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike favored Pakistan during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
Also, there was resentment in Bangladesh that Sri Lanka was the last country in the region to recognize it. Bangladesh opened a diplomatic mission here in 1975 but Sri Lanka did not reciprocate until this year.
Zia Archive 