Sri Lanka seeks stronger cooperation from SAARC

Alternative energy resources were also highlighted by him to reduce dependency on traditional forms and improve regional engagement in the sector.

Rajapaksa also pledged to complete a SAARC cultural center in the Sri Lankan town of Matara in the near future. Buddhism can form a common platform for countries in the region to build trust and foster tourism.

He also appealed SAARC to declare a day to celebrate youth skills. Allowing air links to smaller cities in the region was also proposed to improve tourism.

Human rights should not be recognized as a political agenda, he charged, called on SAARC members to "resist external manipulations" and to work together in this sphere. He also asked leaders to come together on a common voice at international fora.

Eight SAARC members will hold discussions for collective development at the two-day 18th summit themed "Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity", which opned in Nepal's capital city Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Established in 1985 in Bangladesh, the SAARC is a regional association of eight South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined SAARC as its eighth member in 2007.