A team of between 200 and 250 foreign journalists is expected in the island to cover the forthcoming SAARC summit in Colombo, Director Information of the Government Information Department Anusha Palpita told www.news.lk.

The media team will arrive from July 25th, Mr. Palpita added.  About 125 Indian journalists are travelling for the event.

The Government is to set up two media centres in Colombo, one in Sirimawo Bandaranayaka Hall-B at the BMICH. It will be equipped with high speed intenet connection for desktop computers and laptop computers, fixed telephone lines with international direct dialing ability, and other necessary facilities for the convenience of the journalists including fax, printers. The other media centre will be at the Trans Asia Hotel.

Journalists attending the summit will be provided with free food and lodging. On August 2nd, a special dinner will be hosted for both local and foreign journalists to mark the conclusion of the event, the Information Department announces.