|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 6 February 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Memoirs of Sirima R.D.Bandaranaike NAM 5th Summit in Colombo : Crowning glory of Mrs B's foreign policy As the 5th Summit was to be held in Sri Lanka, we started making preparation about 2 years ahead. Special committees were appointed for various aspects. One of the main question was a hall. We had no problem as we had the BMICH a fully equipped with all the necessary accommodation necessary for such a large conference.
Accommodation for delegates, we had several hotels already available, one or two of them, hotels like Oberoi and Mount Lavinia expanded their hotel by extending a wing to the existing one. So unlike in Lusaka and Algiers we did not have to build a hall and villas or hotels for the occasion. I would be failing in my duty if I did not mention here of the generosity of PM Chou-en-Lai, who at my request gifted the magnificent Conference Hall fully equipped and with accommodation for 90 delegations. In fact when I requested for this hall, I had the NA Summit also in view. If not for this, probably it would not been possible for Sri Lanka to host that Conference. Though I was severely criticised by the UNP leaders for asking for a International Conference hall instead of a hospital or some such thing. The usefulness of a Conference Hall is appreciated now. The 5th Summit was held in 1976 September, 90 member countries participated. All leaders made their opening speeches. Important issues were discussed. Accommodation All leaders were accommodated at the main hotels except Indira Gandhi who was accommodated at the PM's residence Temple Trees. President Boumedienias the current Chairman at Ackland House, a state Guest House. President Tito expressed a wish to stay in his ship 'Galeb' which came to Sri Lanka and was anchored at the Colombo harbour. Incidentally it was in the same ship that he and Madam Broz visited Sri Lanka (Ceylon then) in 1957 when SWRD was PM. He even hosted the delegates apart on his ship. It is appropriate to mention here that the generous assistance we received from some of the membership countries, Yugoslavia, Algeria, Cuba and Guyana. (Rumania and Pakistan though they were not members). If we did not get that help we received in the way of material and technical and advice and guidance from countries like Yugoslavia we could not have made the Conference the success it was. It was the view of everybody who attended the Conference that it was a very well organised and was a successful Conference. The security aspect was given a special attention. The Conference ceremonial opening was televised to over 60 countries through the Yugoslavia assistance who provided the necessary equipment facilities for the purpose. Sri Lanka did not have television at the time. Here I would like to express for record purposes the assistance I received from all those who were entrusted with the responsibility of organising the conference. Making history Everyone of them however small the task assigned to them worked with such dedication. They really gave their unstinted support. They were all determined to make it a success as it was a matter of pride to Sri Lanka to have had the opportunity of hosting a Conference of such magnitude with leaders from 90 countries participating. I think it was the first time in the history of our country that such a Conference took place. With very little experience of handling such a Conference, of such magnitude and very limited resources available it was praiseworthy that we were able to make it so successful. Of course there were the critics, our political opponents and of course the reactionary newspapers to whom whatever we did was wrong. They were so petty minded hasty as to call the gathering of 90 leaders an African tamasha (Kaberi magula). They were so envious of the fact that the Summit Conference was such a tremendous success. They were hoping and waiting for something to go wrong, which did not happen thanks to the perfect organisation. They then said that it was an ultra utter wastage of funds. They did not admit the fact that most of it was in the form of aid (quote from Hansard) Internationally praised I would like to mention here a comment made by President Tito and Madam Broz, when Felix and I called on them on his ship 'Galeb', the day after the Conference was over. They both were full of praise for the organisation. Madam Broz remarked 'I couldn't find a single flaw everything was perfect. That gladdened me tremendously because of the efforts put into it. President Tito and Madam Broz had attended four Summits before. Women are said to be much more observant and critical than men. I like to share this praise with all those who assisted me to make it such a great success. Whatever our political opponents and the reactionary newspapers had to say, internationally Sri Lanka's stature was enhanced tremendously. Non alignment has secured for Sri Lanka a world stature far higher than that which economic resources or any other strength might entitle her to. You get the opportunity to observe the finer points of Summit diplomacy from inside. The very fact of meeting a large number of heads of States and sharing experience with them is useful. Some say non alignment has not served its purpose or that it has not been a success. What is the alternative? Alignment? If we are to with whom is the big question. The major blocs are what are known as Eastern and Western blocs. To which should we be aligned. Among the aligned itself there has been many cracks in both blocs recently. If one were to look at the picture impartially it should be clear to them that it would not be in Sri Lanka's interest to align itself to any bloc. It's best to be outside of any blocs. It seems to be the only practical path open to any country which wants to keep its independence and integrity. Father of the movement I had the opportunity of attending the 1st five Summits at which President Tito was present. He was considered the father of the movement and his advice and guidance was always sort by other member countries. Of the founder members he was the only one to have had the opportunity of attending the 6 Summits. His death was a great blow to the movement. It is with regret that we have to accept the fact that there are no leaders in the movement today of the stature of the founder members. Tito, Nehru, Nassar, Sukarrno, Bandaranaike etc. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
