Govt in nation-building role

By Shanika SRIYANANDA

"Sri Lanka's dream is threatened by the terrible affliction which impedes development, undermines democracy and challenges fundamental freedoms. I refer to the bane of terrorism which confronts my country and many other countries of the world. I wish to reaffirm my government's firm commitment to supporting all global efforts to combat terrorism whenever and wherever it raises its ugly head", delivering his maiden address at the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in 2006 President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested the world to support Sri Lanka to defeat terrorism, which turned this peaceful country into a bloodbath for over two and a half decades.

The world would have never thought at that time, this mighty leader would ever clean out one of the world's most ruthless terrorists from Lankan shores. Five years ago, world leaders who listened to his plea to stand against terrorism, that wreaked havoc in the island nation would have gone unheard as none of them thought eliminating terrorism was a possible task.

But barely three years after, the commitment and strong belief of President Rajapaksa that it was possible bore fruit in May 2009 and he stepped world history as being the first head of State who sphere-headed a challenging task defeating a terrorist outfit.

While many other nations are still grappling with terrorism and failing to find a strategy to defeat terror, President Rajapaksa stood proud at the 66th UN's session last Friday and once again making a plea for joint effort to eliminate any form of terror.

”I am mindful, that the battle for peace is every bit as important and difficult as the struggle against terror. After the eradication of terrorism, my government has turned its undivided attention to building anew, the foundations of a unified and vibrant nation and drawing upon the inherent strengths of our country and in particular, the unique calibre of human potential".

“The most significant challenge to stability and progress in the modern world is posed by the menace of terrorism. Recent experiences in the world amply demonstrates that inconsistent standards and discriminating approaches can unintentionally give a fresh lease of life to the forces of terror. An explicit and uniform response, which refuses to recognise political shades of terrorism, is necessarily required,” he said.

Gradually achieving the task of the post-conflict era - the 3Rs - Resettlement, Reconstruction and Reconciliation - the President, said 'Thank you' to the leaders whom he met in New York for their contribution to the country's development and also for being with the government against all odds. President Rajapaksa had several bi-lateral discussions with them, explained Sri Lanka's progress in terms of economic and social growth after eliminating terrorism.

He also explained about the progress of demining and resettlement of IDPs in the North and East. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani the ruling Emir of the State of Qatar told President Rajapaksa that his country was ready to invest in agriculture and tourism in Sri Lanka.

The President’s discussion with the Vice President of Uganda, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi focused attention on many bilaterally important topics. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who met President Rajapaksa appreciated the contribution made in the country's development. At the bilateral discussions held with the Nepal, Colombia and Iranian heads of State they commended the progress achieved by the Government in resettling IDPs, demining, reconstruction endeavours, and the recently held Local Authority Elections in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Establishing direct air travel between Colombo and Lumbini, was discussed when he met Nepalese Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, who said Sri Lanka was a good example of the development and progress achieved by South Asia. They also stressed the significance of strengthening trade and tourism between Sri Lanka and Nepal.

When President Rajapaksa met Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, he said considering the recent Columbian experience, he could understand Sri Lanka's situation very well and said Sri Lanka successfully handles the process of reconciliation.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appreciated the leadership skills in bringing speedy development into the country and thanked Iran for the assistance extended to development.

On September 20, the President met leaders of Slovenia, Kirgizstan and Nigeria and explained the progress of resettlement of IDPs and de-mining activities in the North and East after defeating terrorism, post-conflict management and the success of the recent local authority elections held in those areas.

Slovenian President Dr. Danilo Türk said reconciliation process in Sri Lanka was a good example to the whole world while commending the speedy economic growth and development achieved by Sri Lanka within a short period of time after the end of the conflict.

Discussions with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan were focused on many areas including economy and trade that are important to both countries and the leaders emphasised the need to increase bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Rajapaksa invited a Kirgizstani delegation to Sri Lanka to undertake research work on Sri Lankan Tea, when he met President Roza Otunbayeva, who appreciated Sri Lankan Tea.

Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa met US President, Barack Obama at a Luncheon hosted by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon for visiting Heads of State at UN Headquarters. According to the President's Media sources, President Obama had asked President Mahinda Rajapaksa to take the opportunity to work on national reconciliation.

”It was a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to heal the divisions of conflict, and build a society that offers equality and opportunity for all,” the US President said.

He has also said the US was ready to support and to continue the bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa also met the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake. On Friday evening President Rajapaksa met Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at the New York Palace Hotel in New York. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.

At the discussion they touched on a political solution to the national issue. The President briefed Dr. Sigh on the government's efforts to resettle the remaining displaced Tamils in the Northern Province and to continue the recently resumed dialogue with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to find a political solution to the ethnic issue.