A future with renewed hopes

It was a proud moment for Sri Lankans when President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed the 15th Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt last week.

This was the first international summit that President Rajapaksa addressed after the Security Forces crushed the LTTE and liberated the country from terrorism. Gone are the days when people here were gripped by mortal fear for nearly three decades as the LTTE showed no mercy in carrying out numerous acts of terror, killing world and religious leaders, apart from thousands of innocent people.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of our valiant Security Forces, people have heaved a great sigh of relief as the country has been freed from the grip of the fear of terrorism.

As President Rajapaksa has emphasised, Sri Lanka, as one nation, now looks to the future with renewed hope and enthusiasm. Sri Lanka is confident that all her friends who stood by the nation in its hour of need will continue to stand by us. At a time terrorism threatens many countries, Sri Lanka successfully beat all odds to eradicate terrorism.

As the President pointed out, we are grateful to our friends, especially those in the Non-Aligned Movement, who helped and steadfastly stood by Sri Lanka through its most difficult times. Sri Lanka has consistently condemned all forms of terrorism. Hence, Sri Lanka's resounding success in defeating terrorism is a classic example and a morale booster for other countries battling terrorism.

Resettling displaced persons due to LTTE terror is of utmost importance. The Government, under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, has given top priority for this and is making every endeavour to expedite the resettlement process and assure a better tomorrow for those displaced.

It is heartening to see the United Nations, along with our neighbour India extending their support to the de-mining process. If we could clear the minefields which had been laid by the LTTE in the past quickly, that would help in the resettlement. It is the bounden duty of the Government to ensure that the area is safe and mine-free for civilian life before resettling those displaced.

The Government is wholeheartedly committed to resettle and rehabilitate the internally displaced persons in the North, who were the unfortunate victims of the LTTE's terror. The international community should bear in mind that these innocent civilians had been held hostage by the LTTE. It was the Security Forces who rescued them from the jaws of LTTE terror and the Government is now doing everything possible for them.

The UN and many INGOs too have acknowledged that the conditions in the IDP camps have improved remarkably. Through its humanitarian and relief meassures, the Government has clearly demonstrated that it is doing its best to ease the conditions at the IDP relief centres during this period, and that the conditions would further improve with time.

The Government has not only rescued civilians from the LTTE's terror rule but has also restored their democratic rights. The people in the East have already enjoyed this right after a successful resettlement process and the people in the North too will get an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. That would enable the people in the North to elect their own representatives to run their own provincial and local governmental administrations.

At the same time, a dialogue is under way to address the genuine grievances of the Tamil community. With regard to reconciliation, President Rajapaksa has given a fresh initiative. This is a priority of the Government, and measures have been already initiated in this regard with the All Party Committee of Development and Reconciliation.

Apart from the views of the political parties, proposals from the Tamil community too would be entertained. The Government is engaged in talks with all sections of the Tamil community both here and abroad to achieve this objective.

Whilst taking steps for the betterment of the people in the North and East, the Government has taken meaningful steps to win the economic 'war' as well.

The world is today confronted by a crisis that has been created by the financial markets of certain developed countries.

Sri Lanka's development has been challenged as a consequence of this financial crisis - with the country's exports being crippled. Moreover, some local industries suffered a setback due to lack of confidence. However, the eradication of terrorism will open new investment avenues and major development projects.

Several local and foreign investors have shown a positive interest in infrastructure projects, including the construction of high-rise buildings in the Jaffna peninsula for mixed development projects such as housing and offices. An extensive investment promotion drive in the USA and Canada, targeting the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora, has been launched. Several major infrastructure projects have already got off the ground.

Senior Presidential Adviser Basil Rajapaksa MP is working tirelessly towards this goal, mustering all forces to reach the goals of the 'Northern Spring'.

People in the North are today experiencing real liberation. It is only now that most of these innocent civilians are experiencing real freedom. The countries and INGOs which raised a big hue and cry on the safety of the IDPs during the LTTE's terror have an opportunity now to prove their sincerity.

The Government is determined to make all those dreams a reality and fulfil the aspirations of the people in the North, who had been subjected to immense hardships due to LTTE terror. It is the duty of all to join hands to fulfil the aspirations of the Northerners - for development and national reconciliation.