President to showcase country's progress at UN

by Manjula FERNANDO

The President's forthcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly will be an opportune moment to showcase the country's remarkable progress in the economic and social fronts, after its victory over terrorism a little over a year ago, said former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

"The speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who will be in New York this time following a massive people's mandate, will be eagerly awaited by member states."

He said the country was now on a forward march and the benefits of the military victory have been enjoyed by the masses. "The development in the North and the East is praiseworthy".

"This will be a timely platform for us to portray the country's overall development, particularly in the tourism sector which has been making huge strides since May 2009, with the eradication of LTTE terrorism."

The former Minister said mega development projects showcase Sri Lanka's success in defeating terrorism and the country had been effective in its domestic pursuit in addressing issues after a protracted conflict.

He said these achievements call for a special recognition in the UN for Sri Lanka.