|
News Archives
|
| Back to current news... |
|
New Cabinet shorn in today, 22 November 2010 |
The new Cabinet of Ministers of the UPFA government was sworn in before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (22 Nov 2010).
The new cabinet comprises 09 Senior Ministers and 49 Cabinet Ministers. 31 Deputy Ministers were also sworn in.
Following is the list of Cabinet Ministers and their portfolios:
Cabinet of Ministers
Prime Minister
D. M. Jayaratne – Buddha Sasana & Religious Affairs
Senior Ministers
Hon Ratnasiri Wickramanayake – Good Governance & Infrastructure Facilities
Hon D E W Gunasekara – Human Resources
Hon Athauda Seneviratne – Rural Affairs
Hon P. Dayaratne – Food & Nutrition
A. H. M. Fowzie – Urban Affairs
Hon S. B. Nawinna – Consumer Welfare
Hon Piyasena Gamage – National Assets
Hon Prof. Tissa Vitharana – Scientific Affairs
Hon Dr. Sarath Amunugama – International Monetary Cooperation
Other Cabinet Ministers
Hon. Nimal Siripala - Irrigation & Water Resources Management
Hon Maithreepala Sirisena – Health
Hon Susil Premajayantha – Petroleum Industries
Hon Arumugam Thondaman - Livestock and Rural Community Development
Hon Dinesh Gunawardena - Water Supply & Drainage
Hon Douglas Devananda - Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development
Hon. A. L. M. Athaullah - Local Government & Provincial Councils
Hon. Rishad Bathiyutheen - Industry & Commerce
Hon. Champika Ranawaka - Power & Energy
Hon. Wimal Weerawansa - Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities
Hon Rauff Hakeem –Justice
Hon Basil Rajapaksa –Economic Development
Hon Vasudeva Nanayakkara – National Languages and Social Integration
Hon S. B. Dissanayake – Higher Education
Hon Prof G.L. Peiris – External Affairs
Hon W. D. J. Seneviratne - Public Administration & Home Affairs
Hon Sumeda G Jayasena - Parliamentary Affairs
Hon Jeevan Kumaranatunga – Postal Services
Hon Pavithra Wanniarachchi – Technology and Research
Hon Anura Priyadarshana Yapa – Environment
Hon Tissa Karaliyadde – Child Development and Womens Affairs
Hon Gamini Lokuge – Labour and Labour Relations
Hon Bandula Gunawardena – Education
Hon Mahinda Samarasinghe – Plantations
Hon Rajitha Senaratne – Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development
Hon Janaka Bandara Tennakoon – Land and Land Development
Hon Felix Perera – Social Services
Hon C B Rathnayake – Private Transport Services
Hon Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena – Agriculture
Hon Keheliya Rambukwella – Mass Media and Information
Hon Kumara Welgama – Transport
Hon Dullas Alahapperuma – Youth Affairs and Skills Development
Hon Johnston Fernando – Cooperatives and Internal Trade
Hon Chandrasiri Gajadeera – Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms
Hon Salinda Dissanayake – Indigenous Medicine
Hon Reginold Cooray – Small Export Crops Promotion
Hon Dilan Perera – Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
Hon Jagath Pushpakumara – Coconut Development and State Plantations Development
Hon T B Ekanayake – Culture and Aesthetic Affairs
Hon Mahinda Amaraweera – Disaster Management
Hon S M Chandrasena – Agrarian Services and Wildlife
Hon Gunaratne Weerakoon – Resettlement
Hon Mervin Silva – Public Coordination and Public Affairs
Hon Mahindananada Aluthgamage – Sports
Hon Dayasritha Tissera – State Assets and Enterprise Development
Hon Ranjith Siyambalapitiya – Telecommunication and Information Technology
Hon Jagath Balasuriya – National Heritage
Hon Lakshman Seneviratne – Productivity Promotion
Hon Navin Dissanayake – State Management Reforms
Deputy Ministers
1. Susantha Punchinilame – Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development D.Minister
2. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena – Economic Development Deputy Minister
3. Rohitha Abeygunawardena – Ports and Highways Deputy Minister
4. Pandu Bandaranaike – Indigenous Medicine Deputy Minister
5. Jarathne Herath – Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister
6. Duminda Dissanayaka – Youth Affairs and Skills Development Deputy Minister
7. Lasantha Alagiyawanna - Construction, Engineering , Services Housing and Common Amenities.
8. Rohana Kumara Dissanayaka – Transport Deputy Minister
9. H.R. Mithrapala – Livestock and Rural Community Development Deputy Minister
10. Nirmala Kotelawala – Ports and Highways Deputy Minister
11. Premalal Jayasekara – Power and Energy Deputy Minister
12. Githanjana Gunawardena – Finance and Planning Deputy Minister
13. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan – Resettlement Deputy Minister
14. Faiszer Musthapha – Technology and Research Deputy Minister
15. Indika Bandaranayake – Local Government and Provincial Councils Deputy Minister
16. Muththu Sivalingam – Economic Development Deputy Minister
17. Siripala Gamlath – Lands and Land Development Deputy Minister
18. W.B. Ekanayaka – Irrigation and Water Resources Management Deputy Minister
19. Chandrasiri Sooriyarachchi – Social Services Deputy Minister
20. Nandimithra Ekanayaka – Higher Education Deputy Minister
21. Nirupama Rajapaksa – Water Supply and Drainage Deputy Minister
22. Lalith Dissanayaka – Health Deputy Minister
23. Sarana Gunawardena – Petroleum Industries Deputy Minister
24. Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa – Education Deputy Minister
25. M.L.A.M. Hisbullah – Child Development and Women’s Affairs Deputy Minister
26. Weerakumara Dissanayaka – Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development
27. A.D.S. Gunawardena - Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Deputy Minister
28. Earl Gunasekara – Plantation Industries Deputy Minister
29. Basheer Segu Dawood – Co-operatives and Internal Trade Deputy Minister
30. Abdul Cader – Environment Deputy Minister
31. Dulip Wijesekara – Disaster Management Deputy Minister
Courtesy: http://www.priu.gov.lk
|
| top |
| |
| |
United in peace, lets build a great nation. |
The speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa after the swearing in of the second term of office, 19th November 2010.
Friends,
You are well aware that you now stand on our motherland that is much greater than what was handed over to me five years ago. There can be no greater satisfaction to a leader than the humble joy of being able to address one’s people after building a much better country than before and successfully carrying out the responsibility handed over to me by the citizens of this country.
Friends,
I recall how, five years ago on November 19, 2005, I took over this country in this premises. On that 19 th of November when I took over this country it was divided and the Sri Lankan nation was losing this country. Yet, we toiled day and night with patience and commitment, facing all hostile forces, unshaken in the midst of rising storms. Subsequently, on another memorable 19th - the 19th of May - we united this country achieving a victory over terrorism that had its global echoes. Today, on this 19th of November, I take over this country again with the determination, strength and courage to raise my motherland to a position of greatness in the world.
Sri Lanka became a united nation, freeing the country in line with the Mahinda Chinatana of 2005. From this day on, we will bring this nation to a position of greatness in this world implementing the policy of Mahinda Chintana: Vision for the future. Today, I take over this country with more courage, strength and confidence than in 2005.
Friends,
Most of us, throughout our lives, have seen two destructive uprisings in the South and a thirty year long terrorist destruction in the North. I have seen efforts to globally humiliate our motherland through terrorism and separatism, and uprisings.
Our task as a nation on the rise to be among the great nations of the world, is to prevent such bloodshed in another twenty or thirty years. Therefore our first task is to ensure lasting national unity and sustainable, permanent peace in our motherland.
I believe that the eradication of poverty is greater than the defeat of uprisings. It requires true bravery.
Friends,
In the Mahinda Chintana of 2005, we decided to develop the 16,000 villages where more than 80% of our people live. You will feel the change in cities outside Colombo and in the villages where there is a new light of progress in place of the former darkness and ruin around. When five ports are being developed the villages around them will inevitably be transformed into developed economic zones. These rural areas that were ignored from the days of imperial rule are being developed and the nations doors open for new employment, industry, business opportunity and massive development.
Yet, we are aware that the developed countries in the world have many other cities of fame apart from their capital cities. When development spreads and the revolution of roadways expands we will have several cities that are not second in anyway to Colombo. This will inevitably lead to a completely different image of Sri Lanka that the world will see tomorrow.
The massive power projects now under construction will ensure that by 2012 every home and family in our country will have electricity. Therefore, the land that was freed from terrorism will by 2012 be a land that is freed of darkness. You will soon hear the hum of industry that is powered by this energy.
In keeping with the exhortation of our former kings that not a drop of water should flow to the sea without first serving the people, we are today harnessing the water in all our great reservoirs for the task of development. All reservoirs must be used without letting them idle. This will lead to the filling up of our barns, providing drinking water to the people. When we have enough food for our bodies, our minds will be filled with the comfort of freedom.
Friends,
What lies ahead is a period when all of us will have to work hard for our country. Our expectation is to modernize all areas of employment as to make them more productive and provide more revenue. The work of our people should be regarded as an asset and not the result of hiring or slavery. Our labour is an asset of dignity. It is by increasing the quality of work that my country can be made the Wonder of Asia.
Friends,
We have great hope for our younger generation. We will forever remember the way our young men joined the combined forces and brought victory to the nation, which bewildered the world. I lay trust in our beloved sons and daughters while remembering those unparalleled heroes of war who rest in this soil.
We must move towards a future generation that is trilingual. It is my hope to raise the level of computer literacy to 75% in the near future and make our future generation true heroes of technology in the modern world. The name of Sri Lankan youth must top the list of those employed in the fields of science and technology. Our generation can achieve this victory by making our country the knowledge hub we intend it to be.
What I seek is a country where we can travel from one end to another in a few hours; an era which provides a good income for our people. We must rise by making this country the hub of development in the five-fold areas of naval, aviation, commerce and trade, power and energy, and knowledge. We must make this a country one among those with the best quality of life.
There is no room for hatred on politics, community, caste or religion when our children are brought up in a life that is replete with all facilities, has shelter and security, and is rich in love and friendship.
Development does not mean living in isolation surrounded by concrete structures while abandoning great humanitarian values, distancing oneself from the greenery of trees, nature and other species around us. We should move towards development while safeguarding the great humanitarian traditions that exist among our people. Nature as seen in the trees, vegetation and animals in our habitat should also obtain the benefits of the development we achieve.
Remember this!
We are not a miniature of a developed country. We are Sri Lanka. Our motherland is Sri Lanka.
We have the inherited wisdom to tolerate all opinion and take mature decisions. We have a tradition of understanding our problems and conflicts and finding solutions for them.
We understand our problems with perceived wisdom, based on realities. The expectations of the people are not those of the terrorists.
We have carried out development work in the North and East as never before in the history of these regions. All development processes carried out in the North and East, are a closure of the highways to terrorism. I strongly believe that this infrastructure to banish poverty is a major part of a political solution.
The people of the North were able to use their franchise in freedom at the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. In the forthcoming elections too, we will ensure their right to vote freely and elect their representatives.
Friends,
Out policy is one of non-alignment. We do not have enemy states or such groups or blocs. During the last era, we worked with many nations in agreement and friendship for national security. We now step into the development era. We extend our hand of friendship to those who assist us in this endeavour. There will be no development in the absence of peace, nor peace in the absence of development. Therefore, we will strengthen already existing relations between nations and are ready to establish new relations for national security and development.
Friends,
I am not used to abandoning a task due to difficulty or hardship. Not only in freeing our nation, we will also not hesitate to take the boldest of decisions in resolving the deep crises that many think prevail in society. We need a land free of a lawless underworld, racketeering, extortion and the carrying of illegal weapons or drugs; a land free of corruption and inefficiency.
Friends,
We received a huge majority in all regions of this country in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The people of this country gave us a huge mandate which cannot be possible through proportional representation. We wish to see everyone in this land become a stakeholder in the future victories that will flow from this great victory, regardless of political differences.
Friends,
There is no higher position you could elevate me to. I too do not see any higher position I could achieve in our motherland. There is only one place I can think of. It is my home at Madamulana where I will retire to. If when I go there, the people of this country who meet me tell me with gratitude, ‘You have done your duty by the country’; that shall be my greatest satisfaction. I value the joy and contentment of my people more than my own.
Friends,
My dear sons and daughters,
Never in any of my speeches have I referred to my motherland as a small country. I have never called the land of my birth, ‘small Sri Lanka’ or ‘small Island’. This is a land with a great history of many centuries, where the Kalawewa, Ruwanweliseya, Sigiriya, Yoda Ela, Lovamahapaya stand; where the Buddha has trod thrice on this land. A land that won our freedom from the world’s most powerful imperialism from struggles that lasted nearly four centuries; has defeated the most ruthless and savage terrorist of the world. It is where people who follow four different faiths live in harmony and where today many communities live in brotherhood; and where the world’s largest habour and five other ports are being built, and the strides of development are proceeding to build airports, expressways and massive power stations. With such an abundance of greatness who would dare to say that this is a small island?.
Therefore, never ever call this a small country. You too must develop your body, mind and word to match the dignity of this land of your birth and take this country to the greatness it deserves.
Utthanavato satimato – sucikammassa nisammakarino
Sannatassa ca dhammajivino – appamattassa yaso’bhivaddhati
-Dhammapada
(The fame of him who strives after perfection, is mindful is pure indeed, considerate, is restrained, righteous and heedful spreads far and wide.)
I call on you to follow these words of the Buddha.
I wish you all a bright future!
May the Noble Triple Gem bless you!
|
| top |
| |
| |
Ceremonial berthing of vessel tomorrow, 18th November 2010. |
17 November 2010.
The ceremonial berthing of the first vessel to Magampura Port will take place tomorrow (Nov. 18) commissioning the first phase of the port by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Arrangements have been made for people to witness the arrival of the first vessel.
lt will enter the Magampura harbour in the morning amidst chanting of Pirith by 254 members of the Maha Sangha who will be on board the vessel “Jetliner”, followed by a sailing ship and a Sri Lankan cargo ship.
The sailing ship will symbolize the proud maritime history of the country while the cargo ship will showcase the commencement of industrial and commercial activities of the harbour.
The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama informed that the first stage of the Port will function from Thursday.
He added that the Magampura Port has become an active port in the country and already 27 investors have requested to start projects. The port will provide 10,000 direct employment and over sixty thousand indirect employment.
Courtesy: http://www.priu.gov.lk
|
| top |
| |
| |
ACD Ministerial meeting opens (Tuesday, November 09, 2010)– |
External Affairs Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris led the Sri Lanka delegation to the 9th Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Member States, which commenced in Tehran, Iran yesterday.
The ACD aims to constitute the “missing link in Asia” by incorporating every Asian country and building an Asian Community. The ACD Ministerial Meetings enable an on-going dialogue between high level policy makers of 31 Asian powers, encompassing a wide geographical stretch from East to West Asia.
At the ACD-9 Ministerial Meeting, ACD Member States will explore how to further consolidate and promote cooperation in Asia towards fortifying Asias competitiveness and maximizing the diversity and rich resources in Asia, thus leading to economic development in critical areas such as tourism, energy cooperation and ICT.
The theme of ACD-9 is “Towards Asian Solidarity and Integrity: Promoting Prosperity, Peace and Justice”.
Further, the ongoing global economic crisis has had serious socio-economic and political consequences for all countries, and the 9th ACD Ministerial Meeting will consider measures to address the impact of the crisis on Member Countries.
On the sidelines of the ACD -9 Ministerial Meeting, Minister Peiris will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Brunei, Kuwait and Oman.
Sri Lanka hosted the 8th Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Colombo from 14 – 15 October 2009. Sri Lanka chaired the ACD until September 2010, when Sri Lanka handed over the Chair of the ACD to Iran.
Source: http://www.priu.gov.lk/
|
| top |
| |
| |
President extends mandate of LLRC |
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has extended the mandate of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) by a period of six months in view of the large number of persons from Sri Lanka and abroad still to give evidence before it.
In May 2010, President Rajapaksa appointed the eight-member Commission to report on the lessons to be learnt from the events in the period, Feb 2002 to May 2009, their attendant concerns and to recommend measures to ensure that there will be no recurrence of such a situation. The Commission is chaired by the former Attorney General Chitta Ranjan de Silva.
The mandate of the LLRC was to expire on November 15. It will now be able to continue hearings and submit its reports until May 16, 2011.
The initial period since its establishment was spent on infrastructure and organizational work of the Commission.
Since then the Commission so far had regular public hearings in Colombo and in the conflict affected areas of Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Kilinochchi. This included field visits to meet people directly affected by the conflict. It spent 3 days each in these areas where people in large numbers, at times around 500 a day came before the Commission and expressed their grievances, explained the trauma undergone and hardships faced, and also suggested remedial measures and aspects of reconciliation, S. B. Atugoda, Secretary to the Commission said.
So far more than 100 persons including political activists, social workers, academia, members of clergy, those engaged in conflict resolution and representatives from non-governmental organizations have given evidence before the Commission. The LLRC is expected to visit more places affected by the conflict in the coming period.
It has already submitted an interim communication recommending administrative means to resolve some of the pressing grievances of the people affected by the conflict.
The government has appointed an Inter-Advisory Committee to facilitate early in implementation of these recommendations of the LLRC.
The Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group jointly turned down an invitation by the LLRC to place any relevant evidence they have before the Commission.
|
| top |
| |
| |
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE JOINT LETTER BY INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH |
It is observed that the joint letter contains a series of unsubstantiated allegations against the GoSL on a wide range of issues, including matters unrelated to the purview of the Commission. This, as well as the unusual decision of the three Organisations to release the joint letter to the public, is demonstrative of a broader targeted agenda against the GoSL.
It is a matter of record that the GoSL, having been encouraged by the international community, established the LLRC on the 15th May this year as a domestic process in pursuing an agenda of restorative justice, to address the human and emotional repercussions of the decades-long conflict and thereby lay the foundations for continued reconciliation. This step was welcomed both nationally and internationally.
The LLRC began work in August this year. The Terms of Reference of the Commission which have been made public, have been so drawn up as to afford the Commission the amplitude necessary to address all related issues. In order to be as accessible as possible to those wishing to testify, the Commission is holding hearings not only in the capital city of Colombo, but also in locations within the formerly conflict-affected areas. The testimony of civilians from all parts of the country, who have demonstrated their confidence in the process by appearing before the Commission, has raised critical issues that have been the subject of an interim communication to the Government by the LLRC. The Government has already considered the concrete steps required to address these issues contained in the interim recommendations of the LLRC, and given appropriate directions for the implementation of those recommendations to several agencies of the Government as a matter of priority.
With regard to the claims by ICG, HRW and AI that due to the lack of witness protection ‘no organization or individual can disclose confidential information to the Commission”, the reality on the ground is that since the Commission began its work, civilians including displaced persons, widows and members of civil society have recounted their experiences before the Commission. If there were any fear to testify, such a strong public participation in the work of the Commission, especially in the North and in the East of the country, would not have materialized.
The matter of the State of Emergency is also extraneous to the work of the LLRC. Sri Lanka faced for nearly three decades the extreme menace of terror and the very nature of that situation, required specific laws to cope with the attendant exigencies. With the end of that situation, the Government substantially repealed provisions of the Emergency Regulations. Moreover, Article 14(1)(a) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, including publication. There are therefore no grounds for the sweeping unwarranted assertion of the existence of “laws that criminalize political speech”. On the contrary, the Government has taken steps to remove the offence of criminal defamation from the Penal Code.
The three Organizations have taken as well the unacceptable step of publicly discrediting the individual Commissioners, on the grounds that they have previously served as public officials. It must be noted that there are several examples from all over the world, including at the present moment, of former officials having been entrusted the responsibility of serving on Commissions. The Commissioners appointed by the President of Sri Lanka have been selected on the basis of their proven experience, competence and integrity. It is indeed unacceptable therefore that these respected individuals have been personally targeted.
The comment that previous Commissions have not fulfilled expectations, is a claim best left to the people of Sri Lanka, to determine. The tradition of unbroken democratic commitment to democratic governance spanning now over 79 years, provides the people the wherewithal and the political maturity, to apply their judgement. It is in this context that the three Organizations involved could have better contributed, by following the internationally recognized principle and practice of co-operating with national institutions and domestic mechanisms and processes, in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Today, with the end of the conflict situation in Sri Lanka, security and stability has been restored throughout the country. Recently in Parliamentary and Presidential elections held for the first time in many years without the menace of terror, the Government received a resounding mandate from the people. The Government is now embarked on a programme aimed at reconstruction and rehabilitation of the conflict-affected areas, along with equitable long-term development in all parts of the country. The internally displaced have been resettled, all former child combatants have resumed schooling and have rejoined their families, ex-combatants have recommenced life as productive citizens and Provincial Council elections have been held in the East of the country. Similar elections will shortly take place in the North. All of this would create the necessary space for the democratic Tamil political leadership that the separatist terrorist group tried so hard to stifle, to flourish once more.
Given the above, the development of the joint letter of 14th October by the ICG, AI and HRW to the Commission, leaves room to believe that these Organizations would by far prefer to voice allegations from distant parts of the world, rather than jeopardize their claims to credibility by subjecting their assertions to scrutiny under the transparent and legally sound process afforded by the LLRC.
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo
20 October 2010.
|
| top |
| |
| |
SRI LANKA PORTS AUTHORITY
Request for Proposals to Commence Business Ventures at Port of Hambantota |
1. The Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee (CANC), on behalf of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is pleased to request proposals from international and local firms or consortia to design, build, finance, manage and operate business ventures at the Port of Hambantota.
2. The construction works of the Phase 1 developments of Hambantota Port Project is now nearing completion and this project has been designed to accommodate vessels of nearly 100,000 DWT with the depth of 16m. The Port will be created by the construction of new breakwaters and will be served by a channel with a depth of 17m and a width of 210m. The basin in the initial phase will be nearly 60 ha and will serve a quay length of 600m for general cargo activities and another quay of 610 m for gas and oil. The basin will be dredged to - 17m, with provision to deepen it to — 21m should new generation of deep drafted vessels come into operation.
3. Interested parties may inspect the RFP document at the address given below on normal working days between 10.00 — 16.00 hrs free of charge. Bidders may obtain additional information or seek clarifications in writing from:
Chief Engineer (Southern Port Development)
Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
45, Leyden Bastian Road, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka
Tel. No +94 (0) 112432712
Fax No +94 (0) 1123 ) 2 3 02 4
Email address: agllsipa@yahoo.com
4. The RFP document can be obtained from the office of Chief Engineer (Southern Ports Development), during 10.00 to 14.00 firs of any working day from 17I August 2010 to 28th September 2010 upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs. 50,000 Sri Lankan Rupees plus VAT.
5 The completed proposals shall be delivered to the address given below for the attention of the Chairman, Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee (CANC), on or before 14.00 hours on 30th September 2010. The envelope containing Experience and Technical Proposal will be opened immediately afterwards in the presence of the Bidders representatives who choose to attend. Late bids will be rejected.
6 The Sri Lanka Ports Authority will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by the bidders in connection with the preparation or delivery of proposals including costs and expenses related to site visits.
The Chairman
Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee
Request for Proposals for Business Ventures at Port of Hambantota
Ministry of Ports & Aviation – Ports Division
45, Leyden Bastian Road
Colombo 1, Sri Lanka
Web : www.slpa.lk
|
| top |
| |
| |
PRESS RELEASE: The new envoy of Sri Lanka to Mauritius. |
Mr D Wijesinghe, the former Secretary to the Cabinet, and the resident High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa, presented his credentials to Sir Anerood Jugnaut, the President of Mauritius, on 07th July 2010 in Port Louis, Capital of Mauritius, as the newly accredited High Commissioner of Sri Lanka with resident in Pretoria.
Mr wijesinghe, during his visit to Mauritius met the President, cabinet ministers, government officials and other influential civil society representatives and discussed wide range of issues pertaining to further enhancement of bilateral co-operation between the two island nations. He brief the President and other political dignitaries on the post war developments in Sri Lanka, such as rapid resettlement of IDPs, rebuilding of war ragged areas, and specially on the measures that are being taken to find a lasting political solution for the grievances of minorities in Sri Lanka. On the issue of UNSG’s unilateral appointment of panel of experts, High Commissioner explained the reasons behind Government’s opposition, stating it’s unnecessary interference on the internal affairs of a member country, breaching of the accepted UN protocol etc,. Mauritius is
a home for thousands of Indian arraigns Tamils: and therefore it is known that leaders and people of Mauritius have been sensitive to the North/East situation in Sri Lanka.
For the first time in recent past, The Tamil League of Mauritius, an umbrella organization of influential Tamil Associations in the island, arranged a reception for the new Sri Lankan envoy, paving the way for a fruitful interaction with large number of Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils gathered. High Commissioner explained the ground realities and challenges being faced on achieving a permanent peace in Sri Lanka and sought the understanding and support of the Tamil Diaspora in this regard.
During the discussions with Labor Minister, it was agreed to revise the existing Employer- Employee agreement enabling further improvement of safety and welfare of Sri Lankan employees in Mauritius. Currently, around 3000 Sri Lankans are living in Mauritius.
The Island is historically link to Sri Lanka following the expulsion of Ehelepola Adikaram to Mauritius by British in the 18th century. He eventually died there and even today the monument erected in memory of the Minister of the last King of Sri Lanka is considered as an important historical location in the Island.
The High Commissioner was assisted by Mr.Mohomad Toorawa, the Honorary consul of Sri Lanka in Mauritius.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria
19.07.2010
*********
|
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release
The Government of Sri Lanka rejects Channel 4 story as concocted |
The attention of the Government of Sri Lanka has been drawn to a news item telecast on Channel 4 television in the UK which is also available on the Internet which depicts Sri Lankan forces allegedly committing atrocities against Tamils.
The Government of Sri Lanka strongly and unequivocally denies the allegations contained in the video footage telecast on Channel 4. This footage is diabolical and there is absolutely no truth in its concocted story which is based on this footage. The Government of Sri Lanka is of the view that the purpose of the video, which is evidently orchestrated by LTTE front organizations, is a deliberate and sinister attempt to cause embarrassment and bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka in order to disturb the post conflict developmental and rehabilitation phase.
At a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is focusing on the reconciliation and healing process and rebuild the country, the contents of this video appear to be deliberately intent on tarnishing the sincere efforts and commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
26th August 2009
|
| top |
| |
| |
Press Release
DONATIONS FOR THE RELIEF AND RESETTLEMENT OPERATIONS FOR IDPs – AN INVITATION |
Sri Lanka is on the threshold of a new beginning. The brutal terrorism that hindered the countrys development for almost three decades has been eliminated completely from its soil and the country is in the process of a reawakening. A large number of reconstruction activities have already been initiated by the Government. Simultaneously relief operations are underway to restore the lost opportunities in the regions.
The Government of Sri Lanka, as well as the Central Bank, has received a number of requests inquiring of the possibilities of contributing towards the relief and resettlement operations initiated by the Government for those people displaced from their regular places of living due to the Situation that prevailed in the country. In response to this, and on the request of the Government, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has introduced special account to receive voluntary contributions from interested parties towards the relief and resettlement operations.
All such contributions will be collected at the special account maintained at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, for and on behalf of the Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka. Funds available in this account will tall under the direct authority of the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury (DST) and the DST will utilize these funds for activities relating to identified relief and resettlement operations.
All contributions to this account are exempted from Sri Lanka income tax under section 34 (1) b of Inland Revenue Act. All contributions to this account exceeding US dollars one hundred or its equivalent will be acknowledged by the DST upon the realization of such amounts. No contributions in kind are accepted.
Accordingly, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka wishes to inform the public that arrangements have been made to receive foreign currency and rupee donations to the Fund A/c. No. 4237 maintained at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka through SWIFT., Telegraphic Transfers. Bank Drafts, Cheques & Money Orders and credit cards.
A special web window is now opened at Central Bank website www.cbsl.gov.lk for this purpose.
On-line Donations
Facility has been provided in the Central Bank website, www.cbsl.gov.lk for those who wish to make donations on-line through VISA and MASTER Credit cards.
Direct Remittances (SWIFT & Telegraphic Transfers)
All direct remittances can be forwarded to the accounts given below in respect of the following currencies:
a) US$ A/c No. 04015541 with Deutshe Bank Trust Company Americas, New York. US. A/c.
Name: Deputy Secretary to the Treasury -Relief Fund for IDPs (SWIFT Code - BKTRUS33XXX)
b) ""Euro A/c. No. 5040040828 with Deutsche Bundes Bank, Zentrale, Frankfurt, Am Main De. (SWIFT Code: MARKDEFFXXX)""
c) -GBP A/c. 0151060001400 with Bank of Ceylon, London. GB (SWIFT Code: BCEYGB2LXXX)
Other Modes of Payments (Cheques, Bank Drafts, Money Orders)
Those who wish to send their donations can forward Cheques or Bank Drafts, Money Orders by hand or by post drawn in favour of ""the Chief Accountant, Central Bank of Sri Lanka on A/C of IDP Relief Fund (DST A/C -4237)"".
All such remittances and any correspondence in this regard should be addressed to
The Chief Accountant,
Central Bank of Sri Lanka,
No. 30,
Janadhipathi Mawatha,
Colombo 01.
Sri Lanka
Telephone:- +94 112 477 153
Fax No.:- +94 112 346 264
E-Mail – ca@cbsl.lk
|
| top |
| |
| |
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE GOSL & THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE CONCLUSION OF UN SECRETARY–GENERAL’SVISIT TO SRI LANKA, 23rd MAY 2009 |
At the invitation of the H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Sri Lanka. During the course of his visit, he held talks with the President, Foreign Minister as well as other senior leaders of Sri Lanka. During his stay, he also consulted other relevant stakeholders, members of the international humanitarian agencies and civil society. The Secretary-General visited the IDP sites at Vavuniya and overflew the conflict area, near Mullaitivu that was the scene of the conflict.
President Rajapaksa welcomed the Secretary-General as the highest dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in the post-conflict phase. This was a reflection of the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Nations as well as Sri Lanka’s commitment to work with the UN in the future.
President Rajapaksa and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed that following the end of operations against the LTTE, Sri Lanka had entered a new post-conflict beginning. In this context, the Government of Sri Lanka faces many immediate and long-term challenges relating to issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. While addressing these critical issues, it was agreed that the new situation offered opportunities for long-term development of the North and for re-establishing democratic institutions and electoral politics after 2 ½ decades. The Government expressed its commitment to ensure the economic and political empowerment of the people of the North through its programmes.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Secretary-General agreed that addressing the aspirations and grievances of all communities and working towards a lasting political solution was fundamental to ensuring long-term socio-economic development. The Secretary-General welcomed the assurance of the President of Sri Lanka contained in his Statement in Parliament on 19th May 2009 that a national solution acceptable to all sections of people will be evolved. President Rajapaksa expressed his firm resolve to proceed with the implementation of the 13th Amendment, as well as to begin a broader dialogue with all parties, including the Tamil parties in the new circumstances, to further enhance this process and to bring about lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed a series of areas in which the United Nations will assist the ongoing efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing the future challenges and opportunities.
With regard to IDPs, the United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the IDPs now in Vavuniya and Jaffna. The Government will continue to provide access to humanitarian agencies. The Government will expedite the necessary basic and civil infrastructure as well as means of livelihood necessary for the IDPs to resume their normal lives at the earliest. The Secretary-General welcomed the announcement by the Government expressing its intention to dismantle the welfare villages at the earliest as outlined in the Plan to resettle the bulk of IDPs and call for its early implementation.
The Government seeks the cooperation of the international community in mine-clearing which is an essential prerequisite to expediting the early return of IDPs.
The Secretary-General called for donor assistance towards the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) jointly launched by the GOSL and the UN, which supports the relief, shelter and humanitarian needs of those in IDP sites.
President Rajapaksa and the Secretary-General recognized that the large number of former child soldiers forcibly recruited by the LTTE as an important issue in the post-conflict context. President Rajapaksa reiterated his firm policy of zero tolerance in relation to child recruitment. In cooperation with UNICEF, child-friendly procedures have been established for their “release and surrender” and rehabilitation in Protective Accommodation Centres. The objective of the rehabilitation process presently underway is to reintegrate former child soldiers into society as productive citizens. The Secretary-General expressed satisfaction on the progress already made by the Government in cooperation with UNICEF and encouraged Sri Lanka to adopt similar policies and procedures relating to former child soldiers in the North.
President Rajapaksa informed the UN Secretary-General regarding ongoing initiatives relating to rehabilitation and re-integration of ex-combatants. In addition to the ongoing work by the office of the Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, a National Framework for the Integration of Ex-Combatant into Civilian Life is under preparation, with the assistance of the UN and other International Organizations.
Sri Lanka reiterated its strongest commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in keeping with international human rights standards and Sri Lanka’s international obligations. The Secretary General underlined the importance of an accountability process for addressing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The Government will take measures to address those grievances .
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
May 23, 2009
|
| top |
| |
| |
Address by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa
at the ceremonial opening of Parliament,Sri Jayawardhanapura – Kotte
May 19, 2009 |
I declare open this fourth session of Parliament at a time the people of our country, as well as the entire world are celebrating a great victory.
I address this session of Parliament at the historic occasion when the hopes and expectations of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay and all people of our country for several decades, to see a Sri Lanka that is free of murderous terrorism, have been realized.
Friends, (In Tamil)
This is our country
This is our mother land
We should live in this country as children of one mother
No differences of race, caste and religion should prevail here
Over the last thirty years, the LTTE has killed many people
Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims - many have been killed
The war against the LTTE is not a war against Tamil people
Our aim was to liberate our Tamil people from the clutches of the LTTE
Our heroic forces have sacrificed their lives to protect Tamil civilians
The victory we have gained by defeating LTTE is the victory of this nation,
and the victory of all people living in this country.
Protecting the Tamil speaking people of this country is my responsibility
That is my duty
All the people of this country should live in safety without fear and suspicion
All should live with equal rights
That is my aim
Let us all get together and build up this nation (Tamil ends)
As you already know our Motherland has been completely freed from the clutches of separatist terrorism. From now on it is only the laws enacted by this sovereign Parliament that will be that will be in force in every inch of Sri Lanka.
For almost three decades the laws enacted by this legislature were not in force in almost one-third of our land.
When I won the Presidential Election in 2005 there were LTTE police stations in the North and East. There were Tiger courts. What was missing was only a Tiger parliament. Today we have finished all that forever.
Today, this session of Parliament opens in a country where the writ of this august legislature spreads equally throughout the 65, 332 sq. km of territory of Sri Lanka.
Hon. Speaker
This will give you great cause for satisfaction. The 225 Hon. Members of this House have cause for great satisfaction about this. The entire population of the country can enjoy that satisfaction. All sections of the people; and all political parties that contributed to my victory in the Presidential Election in 2005 can share this satisfaction.
Hon. Speaker
It is necessary to recall at this time the statements in the historic Mahinda Chinthana that policy statement that was placed before the people three years ago. “The freedom of our country is supreme. I will not permit any separatism. I will also not permit anyone to destroy democracy in our country …I will respect all ethnic and religious identities, refrain from using force against anyone and build a new society that protects individuals and social freedoms” This is the objective of the Mahinda Chinthana.
Hon. Speaker
It is necessary on this historic occasion to inquire as to how it was possible to obtain the proud victory we have achieved today by defeating the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization.
We are a country with a long history where we saw the reign of 182 kings who rules with pride and honour for that extended more than 2,500 years. This is a country where kings such as Dutugemunu, Valagamba, Dhatusena and Vijayabahu defeated enemy invasions and ensured our freedom.
As much as Mother Lanka fought against invaders such as Datiya, Pitiya, Palayamara, Siva and Elara in the past, we have the experience of having fought the Portuguese, Dutch and British who established empires in the world. As much as the great kings such as Mayadunne, Rajasingha I and Vimaladharmasuriya, it is necessary to also recall the great heroes such as Keppettipola and Puran Appu who fought with such valour against imperialism.
In looking at this unconquerable history there is a common factor we can see. It is the inability of any external enemy to subdue this country as long as those to whom this is the motherland stand united. That is the truth. Another common factor we can see is the inability to establish any savage or dictatorial regime on this land. In the history of my motherland, the people have always risen undefeated against any arbitrary, savage or brutal rule.
I must express my gratitude here to those heroes of our past who have given us the strength and courage to fight against savage invaders and enemies not only today, but in the future too.
Hon. Speaker
The LTTE terrorists began the march to own half of this country, having assassinated the Mayor of Jaffna in 1975, and began their journey to divide the country into two. At that time the terrorists did not hold a single inch of land in the entire north and east.
When the people handed over this country to me the LTTE had control over 15,000 sq. km or one-fourth of the territory of this country, and two- thirds of its coastline.
It was not only territory that we lost during that period. The nation lost several thousand lives and much property and assets. Hundreds of religious dignitaries, as well as national leaders such as R. Premadasa and Rajiv Gandhi, and great ministers such as Lakshman Kadirgamar, Gamini Dissanayake, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and AHM Ashroff were lost to us.
By the last Presidential Election terrorists had gone much further than anyone had believed possible. As a massive international organization, they had established an unmatched that no other organization in the world enjoyed.
They had acquired ships, aircraft, submarines, and the most advanced weaponry in the world. They controlled city administrations, international frauds and scams, banks, web sites and radio stations, and had also issued currency.
There is no one yet able to fully measure their assets. The word had so far not seen such a powerful and large organization. The biggest danger was that the north and east of this country were brought together and gifted through a deed of peace to this destructive terrorist organization.
As result, in 2005 what we took over was a country with grave challenges. Not only in the jungles of Thoppigala or the Vanni, the shadow of terrorism was also cast on all political activity in the country. You are aware that the Norochcholai Power project was due to be established several decades before this. But the construction of this power plant was delayed because of thinking of the fear that the location of this power project would some day come under the control of the terrorists. These are bitter truths to the nation. My Motherland has had to face even more bitter realities.
The terrorists worked continuously to mark the area that should belong to them on the map of Sri Lanka and establish the Eelam state. But the terrorists had created a situation under which there was even fear to respect the principle of the unitary state that has been established in our Constitution.
Even the powerful countries of the world showed fear before the terrorists; some countries were shaken and went on their knees in the face of terror.
Our people began to face a defeatist mentality, whether we could face up to a problem that many countries in the world the world did not seem able to face. Terrorism is like a venomous serpent that draws the most dangerous qualities from politics, economics, science and all subjects in the world.
What terrorism draws from politics is racism. It builds an economy through drug trafficking. What it draws from technology is the manufacture of explosives. The defeat in Sri Lanka of the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization in the world that is made up of all these deadly qualities can be considered second to none.
Therefore, we did not attempt to respond to the terrorists in their own language. When the terrorists were calling for war, we responded with a humanitarian operation. Our troops went to this operation carrying a gun in one hand, the Human Rights Charter in the other, hostages on their shoulders, and the love of their children in their hearts.
That was an incomparable chapter in the history of war. It is truly a miracle to go to a battlefield where civilians have bee turned into human bombs, and carry on the battle without shedding the blood of civilians. It is a great skill to face up to the heaviest monsoon rains and major floods and not retreat a single step. It needs the ability of a Vishvakarma to defeat battle tanks and artillery with small arms.
There was no school of war in the word that could face up to the savage military strategies used by the terrorists of the LTTE. The world had not seen military sciences able to face a combination of land mines, claymore mines, small suicide vessels, light aircraft that can evade radar, and suicide killer jackets.
Through thirty years the Security Forces of Sri Lanka were compelled to find ways and means to face up to all this. By the end of its successful march the Security Forces of Sri Lanka had become the most disciplined and capable military in the world.
Our security forces were able to defeat the most ruthless terrorists in the world due to their strict discipline, commitment, and creative use of military strategy.
Hon. Speaker
What is it that we have now acquired having defeated the most ruthless terrorists of the world?
What we now have is another powerful challenge in the world.
The Tamil people who have a great history are today in a tragic and helpless state due to the terrorists of the LTTE. When did it ever happen in the history of the Tamil people that parents forced their young daughters to get pregnant to save them from being dragged into war? Who was it that brought Tamil children who are protected by the Goddess Pattini to this fate? Who was it that abandoned in tents the Tamil people who worshipped the Deity Ganesh at Kataragama, and cared for their health with the antiseptic qualities of saffron water and margosa leaves?
Hon. Speaker
It is the LTTE that has put the Tamil community to their lowest position in history. Those who raised their voices for the protection of the terrorists, and all those who helped the terrorists should now fall at the feet of these Tamil mothers and seek their pardon. Those who live abroad and supported the terrorists with funds, if they have any love for their own people, should not help terrorism again.
The day is not far when the hearts and feelings of the mothers and daughters who have today been rendered helpless became the collective conscience of the Tamil people. Their hearts are now with us who liberated from the slavery they had been forced into. Facing up to and winning this challenge is like building a strong bridge over Eelam. What was seen in the past days at Pudumathalan area should forever remain seared in the minds of the Tamil people.
Hon. Speaker
The defeat of the LTTE and the breakdown of their armed strength will never be the defeat of the Tamil people of this country. What have the Tamil people inherited from the gun that was used to assassinate Alfred Duraiyappah to the armed tanks used to attack the innocent Tamil people who were fleeing Pudumathalan, and all other weapons of the LTTE?
What was the LTTE able to win for the Tamil people from the force of its arms?
The complete defeat of the LTTE is an even greater victory for the Tamil people.
Hon. Speaker
The Tamil people were never a people who had faith or trust in weapons. It would be sufficient for them to know of just one incident that took place when the LTTE was powerful.
One clause in the Indo-Lanka Accord was that the LTTE should hand over its weapons to the army. When the LTTER announced to the people of Jaffna that it would be handing over its weapons, they received a resounding cheer and applause from the people. The LTTE was also surprised by this response. It is, therefore clear that the Tamil people are not a people who like to bear weapons.
Mr. Speaker
At this victorious moment, it is necessary for us to state with great responsibility, that we do not accept a military solution as the final solution. Similarly, when we see the sad faces of the people who have been fleeing from the Puthumathalan area, we can realize that a document offered on a tray as a political solution could also not be the final solution. Therefore, the responsibility that we accept after freeing the Tamil people from the LTTE is a responsibility that no government in the history of Sri Lanka has accepted.
When we accept the responsibility for the people who have been liberated, we receive many proposals from various countries and institutions. They ask us to look after our own Tamil people well.
Hon. Speaker
All the people in the country from Dondra Head to Point Pedro are our own people.
The government saw to it that we did not shirk our responsibilities even to the people who were under the yoke of the LTTE. In brief, the terrorist leader who was killed yesterday, until that time had his meals with the food and drink that the government supplied.
Mr. Speaker
We are a country with unique precedents. According to the tradition established by kings such as Dutugemunu, we should respect even the enemy that has surrendered or been killed in combat. That is a quality of greatness that is found not only with the government, but also with the people of this country.
This is a country with a people who when thousands lost their homes and were made destitute from the Tsunami, took care of all those people, not letting even a single victim go hungry for even one meal. We who are schooled in the Buddhist tradition of loving kindness and compassion, and nurtured in the Hindu, Islam and Christian traditions, do not need to be taught how we should treat and care for the innocent and helpless. We shall resettle all those who have been freed from being hostages in very welcome surroundings. People who have not had electricity and not seen modern roads will be resettled in environments complete with all facilities. I ask you to compare the living conditions of the people in the East three years ago with what it is today.
Although we engaged in a massive struggle to defeat terrorism, we did not make that a cause to delay development and welfare services. We launched development projects throughout the country that had been ignored for 30 years. We created new employment. They were not confined to the South. While carrying out massive humanitarian operations in the North, the Vanni and the East, we were also engaged in development work in those areas.
At no time since independence have the development work now being done in the East and Mannar been undertaken. A Presidential Task Force has already been appointed to expedite development work in the Vanni and the North. As much as we defeated deadly terrorism and freed the innocent people held by terror, we are committed to carry out accelerated development in the areas that were under terrorism, within the next three years. While bringing the lives of the people within a democratic political structure, the government will also provide education and health facilities, and launch the Northern Spring by providing the infrastructure such as irrigation, highways, electricity and such facilities necessary for the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors.
We have now removed terrorism, the biggest obstacle that the private sector in our country faced in participating in the Northern Spring. Therefore, the environment has now been created to carry out their investments and engage in business. I especially call on our business community to make a commitment to invest in the North and East of our country. What we need is not advice; but the cooperation to bring a better life to these people. I believe that the world community will also extend that cooperation to us.
I call on all who have left our motherland due to terrorism, especially the Tamil people, to return. I made this request when addressing an Independence commemoration event on an earlier occasion, too. Similarly, I call on our engineers, doctors, accountants and other professions living in various countries abroad, to return to your motherland and contribute to its development.
Mr. Speaker
It is necessary that we give to these people the freedoms that are the right of people in all others parts of our country. Similarly, it is necessary that the political solutions they need should be brought to closer to them faster than any country or government in the world would bring. However, it cannot be an imported solution. We do not have the time to be experimenting with the solutions suggested by other countries. Therefore, it is necessary that we find a solution that is our very own, of our own nation. It should be a solution acceptable to all sections of the people. We expect cooperation for it from the international community and not obstruction. Should the international community doubt our capability to find such a solution, when we have successfully overcome a challenge that that the world was unable to achieve? No. We can achieve this.
I believe that the solution that we who respect valued the qualities of Mettha (loving kindness) Karuna (Compassion) Muditha (Rejoicing in others’ joy) and Upeksha (Equanimity) based on the philosophy of Buddhism can present, can bring both relief and an example to the world. Similarly, I seek the support of all political parties for that solution.
Mr. Speaker
We have removed the word minorities from our vocabulary three years ago. No longer are the Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and any others minorities. There are only two peoples in this country. One is the people that love this country. The other comprises the small groups that have no love for the land of their birth. Those who do not love the country are now a lesser group.
Mr. Speaker
This small group questions as to whose victory this is. Our answer to that is that this is not a victory by President Mahinda Rajapaksa alone. The people are gathering around the National Flag. What we have done is to make the people of this country line up behind the National Flag. Therefore, this victory belongs to the people so lined up behind the National Flag. It belongs to the mothers, fathers and wives who gave their children and husbands to the armed forces; to the people who thought not of their stomachs but of their country. The blood shed by those people have enriched the soil of our land.
Mr. Speaker
Remember this country was saved by the blood, eyes, limbs, flesh and lives of our young people. Thousands of our youth faced shells on their heads, land mines at their feet, bullets in their hearts and sacrificed their lives to protect this land. We cannot allow such a land be grabbed by thieves, fraudsters, and the corrupt. This land cannot be betrayed or allowed to be sold. We should pay tribute to the children of the motherland who protected it with such sacrifice, by ensuring peace, development and good governance in this country.
There are thousands of heroic troops who sacrifice their lives from 1980 buried in our motherland today. We remember all these heroic troops with respect. We show them our gratitude. On this special occasion, the parents, wife and children of Lt. Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe, brave officer of the Long Range Reconnaissance Unit who fought fearlessly and sacrificed his life are present here today. The immense gratitude of our nation goes out on this occasion to all parents who brought forth the heroic troops who sacrificed their lives, and to their wives who gave them strength to serve the motherland.
WE have among us today a large number of heroic troops whom suffer many disabilities since 1980. Lance Corporal Bandara, a heroic trooper who was injured twice in the northern humanitarian operation and returned to active duty, and later lost both his legs at Puthukudiruppu is also a participant at this historic occasion. I extend by gratitude him on this occasion, symbolic of the gratitude and honour extended to all disabled and heroic troops.
I also extend the honour and gratitude of the nation to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, the Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Admiral Vasantha Karannagoda, Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke, as well as the Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremeratne, and the Director General of the Civil Defence Force Sarath Weerasekera, who worked tirelessly to give this great victory to the motherland.
All heroic troops who shouldered battle for freedom obtained great encouragement from their families. But for the help of the parents, brothers and sisters, wives, children and other family members of these heroes of war, we would not have been able to achieve any of these victories. Similarly, the blessings and encouragement from my wife Shiranthi, and my sons Namal, Yoshitha and Rohitha, as well as my brothers and sisters was a great strength to me. I thank all of them as I express the gratitude of the nation to the families of all families of our heroes of war.
Mr. Speaker
There is no era in before this when the international community has paid as much attention to my motherland as in the present times. When went to the front against terrorism with a firm determination, many foreign states made many requests of us.
But although we were able to listen to all these requests, we were not ale to implement all of them. That is because I was bound to make real the expectations offered by me and carry out the mandate given to me in 2005. This was also because we had because I considered the freedom and sovereignty of my motherland as being of more value than my life
Yet, I must state that the Sri Lankan nation will always remember the help given to our country by many countries.
We will not forget that such assistance was given on behalf of world democracy. Ending terrorism in Sri Lanka means a victory for democracy in the world. Sri Lanka has now given a beginning to the ending of terrorism in the world.
Mr. Speaker
All this time what we had to tell the world was about our great, heroic and glorious history. But today we have brought about such greatness and heroism to present day Sri Lanka. Till now we gained strength to rise as a nation from the past built by our heroic ancestors. Today, as much as we have added a new pride and honour to that past, we have created an era of new strength for the future of our nation. In the future when our nation has to engage in a glorious and invincible struggle the achievements of this era will be recalled.
Mr. Speaker
Having defeated the most ruthless terrorists who made the world helpless, we rise today as invincible citizens; as a national with a great and imposing personality.
What we thought so far was that we could not achieve success in many things. After our fall in 1815, we were unable to revive that lost nation pride and dignity. But, today, we have achieved victory in a challenge that no other country has been able to overcome. It is the both your duty and mine to safeguard that dignity. It is the responsibility of us all.
As we have been victorious in the battle to defeat terrorism, we should also take to the required successful end the struggle to build our land. It is necessary for us to take the required clear decisions for this. We must now be ready to direct our motherland to that new era of national revival.
I must specially mention here that this great battle for national revival will be waged with the aim of raising the lives of the Tamil people who live in the North an East of our land, too.
In the past several decades those people did not have the right to a meaningful life. They were denied the right to life, the right to freedom, the right to development. I shall give all of that to those people. I accept that responsibility.
Hon. Speaker
I do not believe that we have a right to be engaged in politics if we are unable to accept the responsibilities thrust upon us by time. I have accepted that responsibility. We have been victorious in facing one challenge. Time is now raising a new challenge before us. It is the challenge of building the motherland. From now all, everyone should change in keeping with the needs of facing up to that challenge, too. Just as I accepted the earlier challenge, I accept this new challenge too. In doing so, I look forward very much to the fullest cooperation of all Members of Parliament and Ministers, and of my dear people in our motherland.
AS a special mark of respect to the heroic troops who contributed to this great victory I hereby declare tomorrow as a national holiday.
Mr. Speaker
I value my motherland first, second and third. This should be so to you and to the entire nation. It is only our beloved motherland that we should all cherish and value.
May you be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem.
Note: This is the English translation of the address made in Sinhala
|
| top |
| |
| |
MEDIA RELEASE |
Government Committed to Providing Food
Assistance to Civilians in No-Fire Zone
The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to supplying sufficient food to civilians held captive by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the no-fire zone on the Mullaitivu coast. The Government has since February facilitated the delivery of over 2,400 MT of food, medicines and other relief items to the no-fire zone.
The Government has expressed its appreciation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners for their assistance in supplying these items to the civilians. The WFP publicly acknowledged the Government’s willingness to send in food and other supplies during the monthly Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance which was held under the Chairmanship of Mahinda Samarasinghe MP, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights on 11 (Monday) at the Ministry of Defence.
The Government is disappointed that the ICRC has been unable to deliver foodstuffs and evacuate patients (sick and wounded) over three successive attempts during the week commencing 11 May. The ICRC was last able to deliver 25 MT of food and evacuate patients on 09 May. The Government and the Sri Lanka Navy facilitated the loading and departure of three consignments of food amounting to 550 MT during the past 4 days. The Government has clearly manifested its willingness to have these patients evacuated and the civilians supplied with basic food items by providing all guarantees and assurances and granting all security clearances necessary. The Government considers that these non-combatant civilians are deserving of every assistance until they are released by or liberated from the clutches of the LTTE.
The Additional Government Agent, Mullaitivu, and the fishermen’s association who have been cooperating in this effort have indicated their readiness to unload the vessels bearing food supplies. However the ICRC has communicated its inability to unload the food supplies due to what it deems are security conditions in the no-fire zone.
It is hoped that the ICRC will be able to obtain the necessary guarantees from the LTTE similar to those obtained from the Government in order to enable the supply of essential food supplies to civilians unlawfully held captive. In addition, the Government will also explore all available avenues of getting these supplies to the civilians who require them. The Government and security forces are doing their utmost to ensure the liberation of these civilians at the earliest available opportunity so that they may be brought to safe areas and cared for until conditions are created for their eventual return to their original places of habitation. [Ends]
Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights
Colombo
Sri Lanka.
|
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release |
Health Ministry questions credibility of Dr Shanmugarajah
No contact with Provincial or National Health authorities since October 2008
The Secretary to the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, Dr. H.A.P. Kahandaliyanage, has questioned the veracity and credibility of statements attributed to a doctor said to be working in the no-fire zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka. He says: “I wish to draw your attention to a statement released by one Dr Shanmugarajah, allegedly a District Medical Officer (DMO) of a hospital in the Mullaitivu District, that has been circulated to foreign media agencies. I am made to understand that in this release it is stated that indiscriminate shelling and firing by the Security Forces of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) has resulted in more than 300 civilian agencies.”
The Health Secretary goes on to add that: “The Provincial Director of Health Services in the Northern Province has informed me that though a Dr Shanmugarajah had worked as a Medical Officer in the Mullaitivu District, he has had no contact with the Provincial Health Authorities or the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition since October 2008. Therefore no credibility can be given to statements released by Dr Shanmugarajah in any
capacity.”
Cautioning against reliance on the statements made by this person, Dr Kahandaliyanage states: [T]he international community should view this and future statements if released by this alleged DMO, Dr Shanmugarajah with caution, as the Provincial Health Authorities and the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition has had no information as to the existence and whereabouts of this officer since October 2008, and is of the view that such statements are being made with the vested interest of bringing disrepute to the GOSL.”
[Ends]
Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights 12 May 2009
|
| top |
| |
| |
GoSL Denies Reports of Civilian Casualties Caused by Armed Forces Fire |
< font size 2>The Government of Sri Lanka categorically denies reports attributable to sources aligned with or under duress from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as to supposed civilian casualties in the no-fire zone in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The most recent claim of 378 deaths and over 1,100 injured is founded on a single source – a Government doctor said to be working in the zone. The Government has utterly rejected these claims of civilian casualties being caused by shelling from the security forces on Saturday (09) and Sunday (10). The Government notes that there is no independent verification possible to the tenuous security situation caused by the LTTE’s last-ditch attempts to save itself from military annihilation. The Government’s view is that to treat the doctor’s statement as evidence of irrefutable and incontrovertible fact is unwise. It is patently obvious that any story coming out of areas unlawfully occupied by the LTTE does not emanate without the imprimatur of that organization. To treat the statement of any official (albeit one employed by the Government) living under the domination of the LTTE as independent and believable is extremely risky in reaching an objective conclusion on the current situation. The video footage supposedly of the no-fire zone which is attributed to a Tamil pressure group is also of dubious provenance and probative value.
Giving credence and acceptance to this LTTE-inspired piece of “news”, would wittingly or unwittingly aid the terrorist organization to save itself at the hour of its impending demise. The best guarantee of survival for an organization that is designated a terrorist organization by several right-thinking governments the world over, would be through the generation of shock and outrage at supposed atrocities. The Government feels it is necessary to guard against these coordinated campaigns which seek to vilify the security forces and besmirch their record as they successfully overcome terrorism. It is noted that these exaggerated claims of Government forces firing on civilians in no-fire zones, dramatic casualty figures and charges of indiscriminate attacks have been heightened since January 2009 when the LTTE was pushed back into a rapidly dwindling area. It is this steady stream of LTTE-originated disinformation that has been amplified by its surrogates and acolytes through a extensive worldwide propaganda network enabling the disinformation to be widely disseminated.
The Government designated certain areas in which civilians were gathered, as no-fire zones with the intention of safeguarding civilians in keeping with its policy of zero civilian casualties. The Government has, for several months, stated that it is not targeting civilians in these no-fire zones. This position was reiterated by the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat in a statement issued on 27 April 2009. The Government went so far as to specifically commit to not using heavy artillery, airpower and area weaponry which could cause civilian casualties. This is a principled stand of a legitimately elected, democratic government of an independent and sovereign nation. The 115,000 civilians who escaped the LTTE, bravely seeking safety while coming under fire and suicide bomb attacks from their former captors, have done so because they are convinced where their safety and security lies. These civilians, who have come over to the Government seeking refuge since 20 April, would have hardly done so if they were being indiscriminately being fired upon by the security forces. Indeed these 115,000 persons have made no mention of any instances when they were shelled or otherwise attacked by the security forces.
In contrast, it is the LTTE which consistently endangered and attacked civilians it held hostage by locating heavy weapons within these zones and firing at the advancing Sri Lankan armed forces. They also have proved that they are not averse to firing on civilians seeking to flee to safety. They even deployed their signature weapon of terror – the suicide bomb - at civilians seeking safety with Government authorities. In contrast, the Sri Lankan forces have exercised maximum restraint despite suffering increased casualties due to being restricted to the use of small arms and light weaponry. Given the LTTE’s track record of brutality against the very people they profess to protect, it is not difficult to surmise as to who is responsible for any civilian casualties that occur in the no-fire zone. [Ends]
|
| top |
| |
| |
Address by H. E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Diplomatic Community in Colombo on current developments in Sri Lanka |
Presidential Secretariat, May 07, 2009
Excellencies
I am pleased to address you this morning at a time when humanitarian operations in the North are coming to an end and the country is about to be salvaged from the scourge of terrorism. The war with the LTTE is rapidly nearing its conclusion and it is my hope that this will create the space for democracy to flourish in the North again.
As you are very well aware, the people of Sri Lanka have suffered for nearly three decades. We have suffered too long and our people have witnessed the trauma and agony unleashed by terrorist acts. At long last we are on a threshold of defeating terrorism and facing a new era of lasting peace and security for all Sri Lankans.
You are also very well aware that my Government was compelled to take military action against the LTTE only as a last resort. This was after all attempts to engage them in meaningful negotiations failed. From the day I was elected, we gave priority to peace negotiations. We went to Geneva, we went to Oslo. In all these places, the LTTE made a mockery of the negotiations and left the negotiating table.
Undoubtedly, we have to be indebted to our brave security forces who have fought valiantly to defeat the LTTE who were thought to be an invincible force. The military has now confined LTTE to an area less than 6 sq kms. in the safe zone created for the civilians. On my instructions, due to the priority given to the policy of zero civilian casualties the security forces are limiting themselves to rescue operations of the entrapped civilians held hostage as a human shield by the LTTE. My primary and only concern is the well being and safety of the civilian population presently in the No Fire Zone and those displaced persons in the cleared areas.
My Government unilaterally declared two humanitarian pauses in January and April. We too shared the expectations with the international community that the LTTE would use these opportunities to release the civilians being held hostage in the No Fire Zone. However, on both occasions the LTTE cynically exploited the opportunities to strengthen its defences for its own security and actively prevented the civilians leaving. On the other hand, we have witnessed mass movements of people from the safe zone more so during other times. I am sure you will agree with me that cease fire are redundant. As we all are aware, the LTTE has always misused periods of cease fires, to rearm them and resort to military action. These are bitter lessons we have learnt from the past experiences and therefore will not be deceived anymore.
Nearly 180,000 fleeing from the clutches of the LTTE to the cleared areas clearly serve to demonstrate a feeling of security and confidence in our security forces. The LTTE has progressively proved that they have never been interested in negotiating for the aspirations of the Tamil community whom they have claimed to be their sole representatives. The LTTE only believe in the language of terror which needs to be met military force.
We also need to acknowledge the role of the armed forces who engaged in a heroic task to rescue more than 200,000 innocent civilians who were kept hostage by the LTTE. The manner of rescuing the hostages would indeed be an example to others engaged in military operations. It may also be one of the greatest rescue operations in the world. I am glad that over 200,000 persons have been able to escape from the LTTE, due to the meticulous operations of the Armed Forces. In my view, the urgent need of the hour is the sensitivity and understanding of the international community on ground realities. As you are aware, the LTTE has an extensive international network spread among many of your countries. As members of the international community, friends of Sri Lanka need to bring pressure to bear on the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender. Punitive action could be taken on its front organizations spread globally. Your Governments also need to bring pressure on the leadership of the LTTE to free the civilians who are being held against their will as human shields. In fact, these civilians could be relatives of those Sri Lankans who are in your countries.
Excellencies
I am fully aware that in-depth reports submitted by you contribute no little to building international opinions. Three is no doubt that these reports are much important in the building of arguments and positions in your Capitals. As you are well aware the Government of Sri Lanka is now facing the daunting task of providing security and needs of displaced persons who are now in the welfare villages. The Government has mobilized all the relevant Government Agencies and stakeholders who are working together to provide the basic needs of these innocent civilians.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank your Governments, the United Nations and its Agencies as well as the ICRC for the humanitarian assistance extended in our hour of need. The Government of Sri Lanka is fully engaged in delivering all the basic needs to the people in the welfare centres. The international humanitarian organizations have been given maximum access that is possible at present. We are in the process of assessing the ground situation and will work towards providing enhanced access in the future. I wish to bring your notice that at present there are 52 NGOs working in the IDP welfare villages. The media has also been given unhindered access.
The next step is to focus our collective attention and energies on the long term post conflict development agenda for Sri Lanka. In this regard, one of the primary tasks is to rebuild the shattered lives of our people who have been traumatized by living for long periods under LTTE domination.
We have to focus our efforts on the development of infrastructure of the liberated areas. This could be achieved through the provision of necessities and facilities for the displaced persons to be resettled. as early as possible. In fact, 122 families have already been re-settled in Mannar and another 2,500 are to be settled by the end of this month. Much of the resettlement will be dependent on the ability to de-mine the affected areas.
The North has not seen any development for the past 30 years due to the subjugation and autocratic dominance of the LTTE. The Government is giving top priority developing these areas. The implementation of long-term development programmes for the North and the welfare programmes for the displaced persons and their resettlement will be considered our duty and responsibility. This will specially relate to:
De-mining activities
Infrastructure development which includes building of roads, houses, schools, hospitals, electrification etc.
Livelihood support for the resettled persons, and
Psycho social programmes for the rehabilitation of former LTTE cadres and in particular child soldiers. We have already initiated action in this regard.
Towards this end, my Government is in the process of completing a Master Plan for a long term reconstruction of the war ravaged region. The international community could join the Government of Sri Lanka in these challenging tasks ahead. Already a Presidential Task Force has been named for resettlement, development and security of the Northern Province. We are also very keen to ensure the rehabilitation of the surrendered LTTE cadres and bring them into the society. We are also giving emphasis to vocational training to provide life skills to these surrendered cadres.
While eliminating terrorism militarily and freeing the remaining hostages from the LTTE, a sustainable political solution based on a Sri Lankan agenda is in the process of being worked out. The All Party Representative Committee is formulating a set of political proposals which would be submitted once the environment is free of terrorism.
Recently we had discussions with all representatives of the Tamil people in the North and the East to resolve this problem. Regrettably a certain party in Parliament did not participate in these discussions. On the first occasion they declined to come. On the next occasion they agreed to come but did not turn up. Therefore, we discussed with all the parties present and appointed a committee to solve the problems of the IDPs in the North and to coordinate activities in this regard.
I believe we have the strength to arrive at a political solution through discussion. We cannot allow terrorism to raise its head in this country again. Whether they are problems of the Tamil people or the Muslim people, we have not forgotten that all of these are Sri Lankans. They all belong to Sri Lanka. I have a responsibility to ensure that they can live in freedom, without fear or mistrust, in a unitary and democratic Sri Lanka. I will not forget that this is the mandate given to me by the people. I state most humbly on this occasion that I accept this responsibility that has been placed upon me more than any other.
We expect to conduct Local Government Elections in the Jaffna and Vavuniya areas very soon. Steps are being taken to call for nominations early this month.
Our final appeal to the international community represented by you is to fully understand the current realities about Sri Lanka and in resolving the problems that may arise in your own countries, not to subjugate the aspirations and aims of the Sri Lankan people. And by this, to assist in solving the problems of the Sri Lankan people and extend all assistance and cooperation for the building of this country, so that we can together see the end of terrorism in this country and worldwide, too.
I also extend my gratitude for all the cooperation extended to us so far. As a Buddhist, in this Vesak season I wish you all a very Happy Vesak!
May you all blessed by the Noble Triple Gem!
|
| top |
| |
| |
Hunger strikers should have first demanded Prabhakaran to let the people go – High Commissioner Rajakaruna |
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in South Africa Mr. Anura Rajakaruna giving an interview to Lotus FM radio in Durban said that what the LTTE hunger strikers are trying to highlight is not the plight of the trapped civilians but the demands of the LTTE. Following is High Commissioner Rajakaruna’s interview broadcast on 18th April.
Lotus FM: Mr. Anura Rajakaruna, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka talked to us about the situation in his country. Here is what he has to say.
HC: The LTTE has forced civilians to move with them and now the LTTE using them as a shield. So, this is a situation created by the LTTE and what the Government of Sri Lanka trying is to get the civilians out of the LTTE grip. The President of Sri Lanka declared a pause to the military operations during last week but we did not see any response from the LTTE to let the people go.
Lotus FM: The Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka have been struggling for self Government for more than 40 years. Now, that the Sri Lankan Army has almost defeated the LTTE. What’s the future of Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka?
HC: To bring about a political solution, there is a need to defeat the LTTE first, and thereby find a space for political dialogue in seeking a political solution. This is what the Government is trying now. Once the LTTE is defeated militarily, the Government is hoping to find an opportunity for political dialogue. So, there is hope to involve everybody in the political process.
Lotus FM: Once the Sri Lankan Government has achieved its military campaign against the LTTE, many believe that Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka living as a defeated people in the land of their birth. Is this would be the situation?
HC: It would not be the situation. Military operation is not an operation against the Tamil people. It only targeted the LTTE which is an armed group. What the Government forces are trying to do is to liberate the Tamil people from the LTTE clutches. The people who were already liberated in the Eastern province are quite content with the situation and they are now involved in normal way of life. And the development process is on now - the normalization process is on now. In the Eastern province, a pluralistic polity has emerged. So, this is going to be the situation in the North as well. There would not be any feeling of defeating the Tamil people. Tamil people are very much part of the Sri Lankan nation and the Government is working to accommodate the aspirations of the Tamil people within one country.
Lotus FM: The Indian Government now says it is concerned about Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Indian Foreign Minister Prenab Mukherjee says they would be providing humanitarian aid to the people caught up in the war zone. Is the Sri Lankan Government not providing any humanitarian aid at the moment?
HC: Without food and medicine sent by the Sri Lankan Government to the conflict zone, starvation and health issues would have create a huge humanitarian situation by now. But it is not the case. The Sri Lankan Government, in collaboration with the UN agencies and the ICRC, has been supplying humanitarian needs to the people in the conflict zone. Just for example, by now, the Government has supplied 2332 MT to the conflict zone with the assistance of these agencies. Of course, we welcome any assistance by the Government of India in addition to what is being provided.
Lotus FM: Finally, we have a former Sri Lankan Member of Parliament, Mr. Eelaventhan, who is on a hunger strike here in Durban, to highlight the situation of the Tamils in Northern Sri Lanka. Is your Government taking Mr. Eelaventhan and others like him in other parts of the world seriously?
HC: What Mr. Eelaventhan and other LTTE campaigners are doing is to highlight not the issue of the Tamil civilians but the demands of the LTTE. They are trying to save the LTTE from the defeat. So, this is how we look at Eelaventhan and others. And if they are really concerned about the Tamil civilians before the sit down for hunger strikes they should call on their supreme leader Prabhakaran, to let the people go from his grip-which unfortunately they have failed to demand. So, instead of making that demand-doing hunger strikes won’t be helpful to settle the situation.
High Commissioner Rajakaruna giving comments to a talk show programme on Sri Lanka in the same radio channel further said;
HC: Quite amazed to hear some of the comments. I feel that those commentators have got a heavy dose of LTTE propaganda. Sri Lankan conflict is totally misunderstood in South Africa. This conflict is not between the Tamils and the Sinhalese.
Lotus FM: How can you refer it as propaganda by our speakers when your own country has media block, when you do not allow the independent journalists into the country to report the facts?
HC: Well - otherwise how can so many news papers and TV stations reporting on the situation on hourly basis and there are various ways of reporting. Of course, media people have been taken to the conflict zone as and when the military operations permitted. Diplomats have been taken to the conflict zone and the welfare centers where the Internally Displaced Persons are being looked after. So, this is happening. What we hear is the emotional way that some commentators speaking without any idea about the ground realities and calling for various measures which are quite unrealistic - in a democratic country like South Africa.
Lotus FM: Do you believe that no ethnic Tamils are being killed in the north east of Sri Lanka?
HC: Not by the Army. Of course, Sri Lankan Army’s target is the LTTE. The fighters whoever is coming for surrender have been looked after and would be rehabilitated.
Lotus FM: Though International media reports, do you state that some Tamils are not being killed by the Sri Lankan Army?
HC: Some of the reports unfortunately based on the NGO reports which are really biased and has an agenda to discredit the Sri Lankan Government. This we have seen quite often and they don’t reflect the ground situation.
|
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release
Government deeply concerned over the plight of trapped civilians |
The Government attaches the highest priority for the safety and welfare of the civilians, who are currently being held hostage by the LTTE in the narrow coastal strip in Mullaitivu. Thus, the military operations to free the entrapped civilians have been painstakingly slow, in order to avoid causing civilian casualties. Despite enormous logistical and other operational constraints, the Government has been sending an uninterrupted supply of food, medicine, fuel and other essential items for these civilians. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama made these observations when the Representative of the UN Secretary General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Prof. Walter Kaelin called on him at the Foreign Ministry today (03 March 2009). The UN official arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a four-day visit, during which he will hold discussions with government officials, as well as visit the IDP welfare villages and IDP transit points in Vavuniya.
The Foreign Minister briefed Prof. Kaelin on the steps taken by the Government to provide basic amenities at the IDP villages and transit points, which are receiving ever growing numbers of civilians who have risked their lives to flee from LTTE captivity. Already, over 62,000 civilians have braved the bullets of the LTTE and come to the Government controlled areas, and are being well cared for.
Acknowledging that there are still several shortcomings in the IDP camps, the Minister said that the Government is addressing these issues expeditiously. It has already arranged family reunions of several inmates as well as provided telecommunications facility to the camps.
Referring to his last visit to Sri Lanka in September 2008, Prof. Kaelin recalled his meeting with the Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa where he had commended the role of the Sri Lanka Army in its military operations, which had kept civilian casualties to a minimum. However, he expressed concern that as the Army approaches the no-fire zone, civilians could get caught up in the fighting. He said that the UN and the Government of Sri Lanka share a common interest in saving the lives of these innocent civilians, which is a major challenge.
Prof. Kaelin also said that it would be necessary to provide additional space to accommodate the anticipated influx of civilians fleeing from LTTE control to the Government areas. Admitting that a temporary congestion in the IDP camps in the initial phase would be inevitable, he called upon the Government to expand the facilities to the residents, so that they could stay in these facilities in reasonable comfort, until their return to their original places of habitation.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama stated that it is the policy of the Government to ensure the expeditious re-settlement of the IDPs in their own areas, but that de-mining and re-building of the damaged infrastructure and housing should be undertaken on a priority basis before this could be done. He appealed for assistance from the UN System and the wider international community in this endeavour. He also briefed Prof. Kaelin on the Government’s firm commitment in evolving a durable political solution to the present conflict, through an inclusive process which would be acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Minister also referred to the recent dialogue with the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora that the Government has launched on his initiative, which has been extremely useful in understanding the concerns and aspirations of the expatriate Tamils of Sri Lankan origin.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
03 April 2009
|
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release
Call for ceasefire would only help the terrorists |
“It is unfortunate that some in the international community have fallen straight into the well laid trap of the LTTE and are calling for a ceasefire, a ceasefire which would only help the terrorists to recover and drag this war for another twenty five years. It must also be mentioned at this moment that H.E. the President and the Government have on many occasions called on the LTTE leadership to let these people go and have been consistently ignored demonstrating again and again the utter and callous disregard paid by LTTE to the very people they claim to represent”. These remarks were made by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona at the inauguration of the Sri Lankan Diaspora Dialogue in Colombo last Saturday (28 March 2009).
Speaking further, he said that as the LTTEs delusion fades into history, the Government is rightly calling on the Tamils living overseas to return to the warm embrace of mother Lanka and seek a common future with all her other children, whether they be Muslims, Sinhalese, Mukkuvars, Malays, Burghers, etc. Today, the beginning has been made in this endeavour. Each of the participants gathered, represents diverse backgrounds and has enormous individual potential. Therefore, it is the wish of the Government to build a partnership with the Diaspora in the realization of this noble vision.
In conclusion, Dr. Kohona requested the assembled gathering to consider funding the education of a child from the areas which were until very recently under the vicious domination of the LTTE. He made a plea to the audience to give these children a new chance in life, with a passionate call, “Let a childs dreams be realized in a respected academic institution, whether in Sri Lanka or overseas. These children represent the future of Sri Lanka and have the potential to be our leaders in the future. They are Sri Lanka’s future”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
31 March 2009 |
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release
Government seeks Partnership with Diaspora for Reconciliation and Peace building in the North |
The Government of Sri Lanka is committed towards developing a partnership with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in promoting a new era of peace through reconciliation among the different communities and implementing an economic plan to reconstruct the war ravaged North of the country. This pledge was made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the inauguration of a two day Sri Lankan Diaspora Dialogue in Colombo yesterday( 28th March 2009) organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister, elaborating on the involvement with the Diaspora in the post conflict era, stated that the initial engagement should evolve into a partnership with the Government as a stakeholder. This partnership, he said would be through political empowerment of the people and economic development of the North.
The Minister pointed out this dialogue that the Government has now initiated as being the first opportunity for the diverse views of the Tamil community of Sri Lankan origin living abroad to be freely articulated. Hitherto, their voices have been stifled by the oppressive control of the LTTE on the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora. The Foreign Minister expressed his confidence that this interactive dialogue with the Diaspora would develop into an inclusive process leading to sustainable peace and stability in Sri Lanka.
He underscored the important role that the Diaspora has to play in addressing the current humanitarian situation in the North. He called upon them to add their voice to the growing chorus within the international community to exert pressure on the LTTE to free the helpless civilians who are being held hostage as human shields, confined to the fast receding sliver of land along the Mullativu coast, yet to be cleared. Minister Bogollagama emphasized the Government’s paramount concern for the safety and well being of the entrapped civilians. Sri Lanka is now on the verge of defeating terrorism and the time has arrived to look towards the future to re-establish democracy in the North and rebuild the infrastructure and facilities which have been destroyed. In this regard, he highlighted the re-establishment of the democratic institutions of governance which has now empowered the people of the Eastern Province, in tandem with the reconstruction and economic development.
Minister Bogollagama pointed out that the LTTE committed its biggest blunder by rejecting the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, and its violent and destructive opposition to the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has now led to the disastrous consequences it is now facing.
The Minister of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration, D.E.W. Gunasekera, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the important measures undertaken by the Government to implement the Official Languages policy, including the mandatory requirement for all new entrants joining the public service with effect from 1st July 2007, to acquire proficiency in the two official languages within 5 years, in order to be eligible for confirmation in the service, as well as the financial incentives granted to encourage the drive to make the public service bilingual in the shortest possible time. He also said that the Government was endeavouring to develop a tri-lingual public service at the management level.
The Minister of Science & Technology and Chairman of the All Party Representatives Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitharana described the political process underway to identify the areas for wider devolution of powers to the provinces, and expressed his confidence that President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be able to see through this difficult and challenging task. The Government has made this position known to the international community, which has also offered its encouragement.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora delegation held wide-ranging and lengthy discussions, lasting for more than three and a half hours with Senior Adviser to the President, Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa today, during which a number of issues of concern to the delegation, including the current humanitarian situation in the North were addressed.
During their stay in Sri Lanka,the delegation also had the opportunity to interact with leaders of major Tamil political parties, including TULF leader, V. Anandasangaree,, EPDP leader, Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Vinayagamoorty Muralitharan, PLOTE leader, D. Siddharthan and TELO leader, N. Srikantha.
During the deliberations, the participants belonging to the Sri Lankan Diaspora stated that their primary mission was to engage the Sri Lankan Government and pointed out that the habit of blaming the Sinhalese or Tamils for the conflict was futile and the task at hand is to face the future. In this context, they outlined a two pronged approach namely, on the economic and political fronts. They emphasized the need to implement the economic programme which can be undertaken almost immediately by engaging with the Sri Lankan Government, while political issues, which would involve other communities as well, also needed to be addressed with equal priority.
The Coordinator of the Tamil Diaspora for this dialogue, Dr. Noel Nadesan from Australia in his opening remarks observed that making peace is in fact more difficult than making war, but said that a start had to be made somewhere. He hoped that this interactive dialogue would be one of the many endeavours that would help draw a road map for all communities in Sri Lanka to co-exist in a non-violent environment.
Apart from the presentations made by Ministers Prof. Tissa Vitharana and D.E.W. Gunasekera to the forum which was attended by 21 participants from 9 countries across the world, senior officials of the Government, including Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona, Secretary, Ministry of Justice & Law Reforms, Suhada Gamlath, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development &Sacred Areas Development, Dr P. Ramanujam, Secretary, Ministry of Social Services & Social Welfare, Mrs V. Jegarajasingham, Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Adviser to the President, Chandra Fernando also addressed the gathering.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
29th March 2009
|
| top |
| |
| |
SABC Interview with the High Commissioner on current situation – 02.03.2009 |
The High Commissioner Mr. Anura Rajakaruna gave this interview to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 03rd March 2009 explaining the current situation in Mullaittivu while also responding to misinformation carried out in South Africa by LTTE propagandist Fr. Emmanuel.
|
| top |
| |
| |
SABC Interview with the High Commissioner on the LTTE – 01.06.2008 |
The High Commissioner Mr. Anura Rajakaruna gave this interview to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 1st June 2008. It was telecast throughout South Africa and the African Continent through the SABC Channel 2 and SABC International under the popular programme titled “Point Blanc”. The interview, which reveals the true LTTE , was conducted by popular TV Presenter Mr. Mpho Tsedu.
The transcript of the full interview is given below.
Hello and welcome – my name is Mpho Tsedu – you are watching Point Blanc. We look at the Asian country – Sri Lanka and its efforts to achieve everlasting peace with the radical movement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. In the Studio to unpack – some of the critical issues, I am joined by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in South Africa His Excellency Anura Rajakaruna. The history of Sri Lanka is one plagued by violence largely attributed to the LTTE, which the Government has branded as a terrorist organization. Among the acts of violence are; number of assassinations of Sri Lankan Leaders, numerous bombing campaigns in the cities and rural areas. Today, on Pont Blanc, we ask what is the problem? and is there any headway in stops-stuck peace initiatives? Before we go into the Tamil issue;
Q - How are your relations with South Africa?
A - We have very good relations with South Africa. Since the democracy established in South Africa in 1994, Sri Lanka established formal Diplomatic Relations and since then there is a good cooperation between the two countries.
Q - Now, obviously, like you were saying, we had this formal relations post 1994. But, the history would credit Sri Lanka also for having produced the first female Prime Minister in the world - and I know that she was quiet vocal in campaigning for liberation of South Africa.
A - You are correct. You are referring to Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She was the first woman Prime Minister of the world. When she was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, she was one of the Asian leaders who championed the cause of the majority people of South Africa in the United Nations, in the Non Alignment Movement and also in the Commonwealth. In fact, we hosted the Non-Alignment Summit in 1976 under the Chairmanship of Madam Bandaranaike and issued Colombo Declaration condemning the Apartheid and supporting the struggle of the ANC for democracy. So, our contacts go back to the apartheid era also with the ANC and the freedom movement here.
Q - Now, let’s go to the issue in everybody’s lips. There are always bombs; attacks - what is happening in Sri Lanka? I know that you held regional elections recently in your provinces – if I may say so – very well. May be you take us through that. What are those elections meant for Sri Lanka and perhaps the region?
A - Indeed those elections mean very much to the people of Sri Lanka. People who are yearning for peace and security and who want pluralistic polity in Sri Lanka. This is the approach of the Government of Sri Lanka to resolve the conflict by political means. After defeating the terrorism in the Eastern Province, the Government of Sri Lanka embarked on the normalization process and the economic development. So, as part of this normalization process, the two elections were held. First one for the municipality of Batticaloa, which is the main city in the Eastern Province, and then Provincial Elections for the entire Eastern Province. Both these elections were concluded satisfactorily, peacefully and 60% of the people participated in the election and all the parties except the LTTE took part in contesting these elections. So, the elections have produced representative administration in the Eastern Province now. They have now embarked on their programmes. This is a very healthy development and it is process also that the Government of Sri Lanka working through now.
Q - Is all of Sri Lanka in conflict?
A - Not at all. This conflict is now confined only to two districts of the most northern region which are called Mullaittivu and kilinochchi. Rest of the country is normal and business as usual. The military operation is confined to the northern part only. But, this group which is called LTTE has been doing suicide bombings in the Southern parts, also in Colombo - in the Capital and other rural areas, as you said. This has been a concern for us - even two days before they exploded a bomb in a train - in fact, in Capital Colombo, killing 12 people and injuring 70 people.
Q - What are they fighting for?
A - They are fighting for a separation of the country. This has been going for almost 25 years now and as far as people of Sri Lanka is concerned - this is not possible and this is not viable.
Q - There are two organizations here, representing the Tamil people. You got the LTTE and TMVP and now in that situation - who do you regard as the authentic or true representative of the Tamil people?
A - You know, there are many Tamil parties in Sri Lanka. What the Government is trying is to involve everybody - all the parties in the political process. But the LTTE has been insisting that only they should be involved in this process which we don’t believe that they are the only party - there are many other Tamil parties such as TULF and EPDP and there are many Muslim parties who are also affected by the conflict. So, the Government is working to involve everybody to bring about consensus and an agreement. In fact this process has started for about one year now - which is called the APRC - all Party Conference - and through which the Government is trying to build consensus among the stakeholders and - as a interim measure this APRC has proposed to implement the Provincial Council system fully. In fact, the elections for the Eastern Province took place as a part of this process and the Government is hoping to implement the Provincial Councils in the Northern Province also where there are now confrontations.
Q - Would you say that the Government of Sri Lanka is failing to deal decisively with the Tamil tigers?
A - No. What is proven in the East is that the Sri Lankan Forces have successfully defeated the terrorism. The LTTE is no more in the entire Eastern Province. Of course, they can infiltrate and create incidents and mischiefs. But, their presence is no longer there in the East.
Q - Who is arming them?
A - On their own they find weapons. But, concern for the Government of Sri Lanka is that they buy these weapons through the monies collected from the Tamil communities in other countries - Tamil Diaspora. Of course, they do not give money voluntarily. Money is collected through coercion and creating fear in them - so, the people are compelled to give money from their salaries. So, with this money they support the purchase of arms and their armed campaign.
Q - How do they get them into Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka is an Island. Are your boarders not effectively controlled?
A - Boarders are effectively controlled. Still, they had been able to bring in arms in the past. They are a part of the illegal network in the region where they have been able to get down arms in boats and other means.
Q - What kind of network? Is there any body who supports Tamil terrorism?
A - There is no country supporting the LTTE in region. All the countries - all our neighbours are against the LTTE terrorism. But, the LTTE is part of the network of drug dealings and human trafficking and money laundering. So, arms also being smuggled through this network.
Q - What would you say that are you dealing with - a political crisis or dealing with a criminal activity?
A - Sri Lanka is dealing with one of the ruthless terrorism in the world. So, everyday, there is some incident that they have targeted civilians in the buses, people in the trains, people in their normal day today life are the victims. So, it is a serious human catastrophe that we have been going through for 25 years. And, at the same time the people of the all ethnic back grounds are victims. The majority is the Sinhalese and then the Muslims. All these communities including Tamils are affected by this.
Q - Why do you not ban this organization? Tamil Tigers are still in operation.
A - There is a reason for this. In fact other countries have banned the LTTE. For example, the European Union countries have banned them about three years ago. They can not engage in fund raising or any other activities in Europe now. Our neighbour India has banned them, then the USA has listed them as a terrorist organization and then Australia and Canada. All these countries have banned them not going by what they claimed to be; but going by what they are, in fact, doing in Sri Lanka. So, there is a recognition now in the world that this is a terrorist organization and they should not be allowed to operate in their countries. But Sri Lanka has not yet taken that option.
Q - Why?
A - Because, we are still trying to engage them in talks as a group of our own citizens.
Q - Your own citizens are killing other citizens !
A - This is the irony. But, we need to engage them in talks at some point.
Q - But you have to eliminate them. How do you live in a country where terrorists operate freely knowing that they are not a banned movement? They are not even a political organization? Are they?
A - Their political organization is very minimal. There is no really a political organization in them. It’s entirely a military organization. But what they talk about is their propaganda.
Q - So, they are more of a guerrilla movement?
A - Very much so
Q - And you are comfortable dealing with a guerrilla movement that there is no politics?
A - Well, we are trying to discourage them from the terrorist activities while keeping the option open to talk to them.
Q - How about the fact that they have been linked to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi affected your relations with India?
A - It did not affect the country to country relations with India. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed by the LTTE in the soil of India in 1991. Of course, the LTTE as usual denied it. But at some point later, they acknowledged that they had done that. The Court also delivered a judgment linking the LTTE to the killing of the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. So, there is a realization in entire South Asia that LTTE is a menace. And, we are receiving good cooperation from India and as well as other neighbours to deal with the LTTE and also to bring about a political solution to the conflict.
Q - Political solution which you have even engaged the services of Norway. Has that born any fruit?
A - Not as we expected really. But, still we hope that Norway would be able to bring the LTTE to the negotiation table. We believe that we need a third party involvement to get a terrorist organization like LTTE to talk to. So, in that regard we expect the Norway to facilitate this. There have been number of negotiation rounds earlier. But, any of those rounds have not produced any out come.
Q - You had three peace talks?
A - We had several rounds during the former Presidents and the Prime Ministers and in all these rounds what the LTTE did was - come to talk and while talking they prepared for the next war. They get themselves armed, they get their supplies arranged and when they are ready, they go back to fighting with a surprise attack on Sri Lankan Forces. So, this has been our experience. What we now expect for the LTTE to show a genuine desire for talks. That is not forthcoming from the LTTE, unfortunately. Once the LTTE indicates a genuine desire for serious negotiations, I believe confrontation would cease and the negotiation will start.
Q - What do you want to tell the LTTE at the negotiation table which you are not able to tell them now? What do you think they will concede to when you talk to them which they are not able at the moment?
A - They need to understand that separation is not a viability
Q - You have told them that before.
A - Yes. Our President, President Mahinda Rajapaksa very clearly mentioned that he is ready to consider anything less than separation of the country.
Q - Are they willing to accept anything less than separation?
A - This is what we are waiting for hear from them. They have not given any indication yet
Q - Their actions say anything?
A - Not from the actions - not from their words, that they are ready to consider anything less than the separation. This is why the confrontation is going on.
Q - Have you ever considered perhaps the option of Referendum in the areas affected as to what the people say, if they want separation or not?
A - This again should be an arrangement as part of the negotiations. But, I am sure if we are going to have a Referendum, vast majority of the Tamil people themselves would say they want to stay within one country. Because majority of the Tamil people are even now living amongst the Sinhalese in the Southern areas and they don’t want to be part of a mono ethnic Tamil State. They are enjoying a free life in one country situation and also the Muslim population - they would not want to be a part of a separate Tamil State. And, also the Sinhalese community living in those two provinces would definitely say no to separation.
Q - Now who is leading the Tamil Tigers?
A - There is a leader called Prabhakaran - a psychopath. This is what he is known for by his actions. He is fearful of others. So, he has made sure to eliminate whoever has a dissent, whoever is not following his line. So, what has happened over the years is that moderate voice has been silenced. Moderate Tamils, Tamil leaders have been killed. This is the tragedy of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
- //- |
| top |
| |
| |
Media Release
UN Resident Coordinator unable to vouch for civilian casualty figures |
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne has stated that he is unable to confirm the veracity of the figures of civilian casualties since 20th January 2009 in the conflict area of Mullaitivu District, contained in an official report issued by his Office recently. He made this disclosure at a meeting yesterday (24th March 2009) with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama held at the Foreign Ministry, in response to a query from the Minister.
The Foreign Minister informed Mr Buhne that the figures of 2,683 civilian deaths and 7,241 injuries cited in the report titled, “Sri Lanka | Civilian casualties Vanni Overview| March 2009” emanating from his Office, have not been attributed to any reliable or independent source. The assertion in the report that two thirds of the documented casualties had occurred in the NFZ (no-fire zone) is patently false, since the security forces take extra-ordinary precautions to avoid causing civilian casualties, including exercising maximum restraint in not resorting to retaliatory fire at the LTTE, which has brazenly violated International Humanitarian Law by directing fire at the Government troops from artillery guns and heavy weapons that it had deliberately positioned among the civilians within the NFZ.
Moreover, the Government with the assistance of the ICRC has up to 18th March evacuated by sea, 4,120 sick and injured persons, as well as 1,485 accompanying carers. This has been corroborated by the ICRC in a report issued on 17th March 2009. It is self-evident that only after all sick and injured persons have been accommodated from the conflict area, that accompanying carers would have been taken on board. Thus, the figure of 7,241 injuries also cannot be credibly established. Therefore, the Government of Sri Lanka categorically rejects the report, which has unfortunately received wide circulation within the international community.
Mr Buhne acknowledged that the report had been prepared by his Office, and was meant only for circulation among the donor community, but could not independently verify the authenticity of the figures of civilian casualties mentioned in the report.
Minister Bogollagama expressed his deep displeasure at such unsubstantiated information being incorporated in an official report of the UN, which would ipso facto lend it credence. He urged the UN Resident Coordinator to issue a formal clarification on this matter, in order to rectify the negative and damaging inferences that may be drawn from the said report.
Foreign Secretary, Dr Palitha Kohona and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.(ENDS)
|
| top |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
|
