President's statesmanship exemplified

President Mahinda Rajapaksa proved in no uncertain terms his exemplary statesmanship, diplomacy and far-sighted vision when he addressed the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.

His inspiring speech highlighted his world-class statesmanship - political maturity, transparency, accountability, clear-cut vision, desire to achieve goals and unmatched political willpower.

While expressing his views sans fear or favour on a wide range of subjects, President Rajapaksa stressed the greater expectations of the nation and held spellbound the international community at its highest forum.

He was courageous and bold to fearlessly express his forthright views against terrorism. Simultaneously, he followed international protocol to the letter and diplomacy to the highest order.

At a time many parties with vested interests and certain International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) are making every endeavour to dampen Sri Lanka's cordial relations with the United Nations, President Rajapaksa emblazoned the broader interests of the UN and its principles.

President Rajapaksa told the 65th UN General Assembly in the US capital that terror is terror, whatever mask it wears. He said that the LTTE was a ruthless terrorist organisation which killed thousands of its own people. Although the Tigers claimed to represent the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, the very same people whom they claimed to protect became unfortunate victims of LTTE terror.

We recall a speech delivered by the President when he addressed the UNGA a few years ago. On that occasion too, he expressed his views fearlessly against terrorism, saying that there are no two types of terrorism, one for the West and another for this part of the globe. In the previous address to the UN General Assembly, President Rajapaksa said there are no good terrorists and bad terrorists and that terrorism in any part of the world should be eradicated in similar fashion.

On Thursday, President Rajapaksa addressed the UNGA as a proud leader of a nation which showed the world how terrorism should be eradicated. President Rajapaksa recalled how the outside world which witnessed Sri Lanka's relentless battle against the LTTE suggested that the Sri Lankan Government should have conceded to the demands of the terrorists. But the President said that there was one definition to terrorism, irrespective of the 'mask it wears' and how it is presented,

President Rajapaksa said that his responsibility lies with the entire nation. His prime responsibility rests with the lives of millions of Sri Lankans - men, women and children, and those yet to be born. He demonstrated his sincere commitment to peace and the prosperity of the nation he represents and the right to a peaceful society for one and all.

Sri Lanka is acutely aware and recognises the challenges it faces - among the greatest of which is healing the wounds of the recent past. The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) is making every effort to fulfil the aspirations of all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnic and political affiliations. The LLRC was set up by the President, giving full expression to the principles of accountability.

As the President has quite rightly said, the rebuilding and healing process should be home grown and the international community should take a practical approach to develop in partnership with Sri Lanka through international trade, investment and capacity building. No other nation, country or international organisation, than the Sri Lankan Government, have greater concern for the people displaced due to terror.

That was precisely why the Government, under the illustrious leadership of President Rajapaksa, gave utmost priority to the resettlement of displaced persons. The manner in which Sri Lanka faced terror and eliminated the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit and its proven track record in speedy IDP resettlement should be a role model to the rest of the world.

The President also gave a clear vision of his targets in taking the country towards new economic horizons. He pointed out that Sri Lanka's economy is well on the way to realising the dividend of peace and the country aims to become one of the top 30 countries doing business by 2014.

The President emphasised that the country experienced a steady and sustained growth during the last quarter, exceeding the eight percent mark with moderate inflation and low interest rates. Sri Lanka's per capita income doubled since he became the First Citizen five years ago. He said the Government's ambition is to double the present per capita income by 2016.

Demonstrating his sincere commitment for peace, he said that it was the brutal LTTE which induced him to go for a military solution. Nevertheless, the President said, he strongly believes that negotiations are still the best means of ending a conflict although he was pushed towards a war by the intransigent LTTE. He said that international law should be considered in the right context when it comes to contemporary terrorism.

When we talk about the proliferation of terrorism throughout the world, the capacity of current international humanitarian law is inadequate to meet contemporary needs. It must be remembered that such law evolved essentially in response to conflicts waged by the forces of legally constituted States, and not terrorist groups. The asymmetrical nature of conflicts initiated by non-state actors gives rise to serious problems which need the urgent attention of the international community, he said.

President Rajapaksa also cautioned member countries when he said that one should never under-estimate the mandate of the UN in promoting global peace. Sri Lanka's entire focus now would be to build lasting peace while healing the wounds of terrorism and ensuring economic prosperity. While ensuring economic prosperity and guaranteeing the rights of the nation to live in harmony, the President said that we should be mindful of the fact that to fulfil these aspirations, economic development and political reconciliation should go hand in hand. Towards this end, constitutional changes which appropriately reflect the aspirations of Sri Lankans, will be evolved with the full participation of all stakeholders.