President tells US Congressmen:

Project Sri Lanka's true image

By Shanika SRIYANANDA

Terrorism, the scourge of humanity, is hopefully coming to an end world over. People clamour for an end to the bloodstained era, where terrorism played with their lives. Undoubtedly, the first lesson that terrorism should be destroyed and can be defeated was taught by the ‘teardrop’ in the Indian Ocean - Sri Lanka. While the West was fixing its guns against Sri Lanka, it engaged in its long march to annhilate one of the world’s ruthless terrorists- the LTTE - bringing freedom to millions of people.

Barely two years later, while the West is still trying to fix Sri Lanka for various unfounded human rights abuses, the world’s giant -the US- killed the other most ‘hated and dangerous terrorist, Osama Bin Laden proving Sri Lanka’s efforts to end terrorism in this era.

From time to time, while allegations kept cropping up, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s strong committment to make the impossible possible is appreciated by those who value peace.

His efforts to restore peace are appreciated more now than before as other countries threatened by terrorism are following in his footsteps.

At a meeting held at Temple Trees this week, the US Congressmen commended President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s desire for a peaceful nation. “ Sri Lanka and its leader deserve praise from the international community for defeating the world’s worst terrorist organisation. Leveling allegations against them is a matter for regret”, they said.

Congressman Albert Benjamin Chandler, who led the team on their three-day visit, said in sharp contrast to his visit two years ago, Sri Lanka had achieved massive development. They were impressed with the security situation in the country.

The US delegation, accompanied by Sri Lankan Ambassador to US and Mexico Jaliya Wickramasuriya, visited Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna, and told the President they had witnessed the development and also different communities living unitedly and peacefully in those areas.

 President Rajapaksa requested the US Congressmen to tell the world the true picture in Sri Lanka while explaining about the development initiatives undertaken by the Government across the country including the North and East.

The delegation, comprising Albert Benjamin Chandler, Joseph Heath Shuler and Jack Kingston later stressed the need LTTE remaining in the terrorist watch list.

Flight Academy

“ Sri lanka’s aim should be to go in hand-in-hand with the rest of the world and it is the vision of the government to empower the youth of this country with the required physical and psychological ability to move ahead”, President Rajapaksa, who opened the SriLankan Airlines’ Flight Academy and its first Airbus A 320 Full Flight Simulator at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), said.

He said the national airline established in 1952, faced many challenges and today it was marked a historic day in the history of aviation in Sri Lanka and the country needs viable manpower to supplement the ever growing demands of the global economy. This Academy will enable sections of the youth to increase their professional knowledge and skills.

The President was first Sri Lankan to experience Simulator flying, which was opened with the assistance of SIM Industries of the Netherlands, and will provide the required flight training for Sri Lankan cadet pilots, First Officers and Captains as well as to pilots from other airlines in the region.North and East – no different Addressing people in Batticaloa, President Rajapaksa told of his plans to provide better facilities for people in the East. “ There are certain politically-motivated attempts to keep the people in the East in minimal living conditions, but this is not my view. I want all Sri Lankans to enjoy improved living conditions”, he said at a function held to inaugurate the Batticaloa-Vavunathivu Water Supply Scheme on October 19.

The water supply scheme constructed at a cost of Rs.11,000m and supplies 40,000m3 per day for the benefit of around 250,000 people in 106 Grama Niladhari divisions.

“It will establish a better future for you and your children, and the country will be taken forward with more courage, strength and confidence. People of the North and the East will not be treated in a different manner. That is the way the government treats the people of the North and East who were badly affected by terrorism.

The government has been engaged in a massive development initiative covering the entire country. Everyone in this country is now experiencing freedom and enjoying the fruits of development”, he said inviting Eastern people to visit other parts of the country and get first-hand experience on on-going development activities.

He said a massive amount of money had been pumped for development activities in the North and East through the Uthuru Vasanthaya and Negenahira Navodaya programs and a dream of the people in Batticaloa has come true with the commissioning of this water project since the people have been badly affected by the scarcity of water for decades.

“The Government intends to expand development that was once limited to Colombo, to every area across the country including Jaffna, Batticaloa, Tricomalee, Hambantota, and the Up-country. The Maninda Chinthanaya endorses the initiative to take the development of the city to rural areas, which requires the support of the people”, he said speaking in Tamil.

“ The Government provides the people in those areas with infrastructure facility including education, health, electricity, highways and bridges, and housing under the Negenahira Nawodaya porgramme, at a cost of millions of Rupees. It is my duty and responsibility to protect the people in this country, as everyone should live with equal rights and self-respect”, he said reiterating the need to uplift the living standards of the Tamil people.

Language of Peace

“ In Sri Lanka, we are today talking the language of peace. I am sure that your decision to hold this conference in Colombo is further proof of the peace that prevails in our country after a long period of conflict, terror and immense hardship to our people.

Sri Lanka is at present implementing a policy that seeks to use language to bind our people together. We are committed to safeguarding the language rights of our people and also transforming Sri Lanka into a tri-lingual country with the use of English as a link language among our communities. English would also be the vehicle for our children to access knowledge as we envisage to become a knowledge hub in the region”, the President said at the inaugural session of the 9th Conference on Language and Development held in Colombo.President Rajapaksa said Sri lanka’s primary focus however would be to ensure that people of this country, irrespective of their ethnicities will learn the main languages, Sinhalese and Tamil, to communicate with each other.” Language, as we all know, is a means of communication and understanding. However, our own experience shows that language can be an instrument of division and conflict, too.

I am, therefore, pleased that this conference with its theme of ‘Language and Social Cohesion’ will have special relevance to Sri Lanka, as it would also be of much value to other countries of the developing world”.

”We see the importance of language for economic development, especially in the improving of employment opportunities for our youth, the enabling of social mobility among our people, and opening the way for us to participate in the global economy”, he said.” During the three decades of terror and mayhem that we experienced, not many wanted to come here.

With the elimination of terrorism, the situation has drastically changed. Sri Lanka is becoming a destination for business, leisure and tranquility.Sri Lanka is at present implementing a policy that seeks to use language to bind our people together. We are committed to safeguarding the language rights of our people and also transforming Sri Lanka into a tri-lingual country with the use of English as a link language among our communities. English would also be the vehicle for our children to access knowledge as we envisage to become a knowledge hub in the region. Our primary focus however would be to ensure that people of this country, irrespective of their ethnicities will learn the main languages, Sinhalese and Tamil, to communicate with each other.We are ready to learn from the advances of language teaching that can help the progress of pluralism in our society.

We see the importance of language for economic development, especially in the improving of employment opportunities for our youth, the enabling of social mobility among our people, and opening the way for us to participate in the global economy.In the field of education we see the important role that language can play in social integration.

It is for this purpose that we have introduced new policies for teaching of English and Information Technology, to take the latest advances in knowledge and technology to all parts of our country.In pursuance of this objective 2009 was declared as the year of English and IT, purely to give strong emphasis to the teaching and learning of these two vital areas of education.

We look at English as a Life Skill that would enable our children to forge ahead in life and become global citizens.We also see language playing a very important role in development of the arts. The fusion of languages, and through this the interaction of different cultures, enriches the cultural patterns and standards of arts in society.” President Rajapaksa said.

Heritage

At the ceremony to mark the inauguration of the Kalagam Viharaya, Kebithigollewa being restored after about 1,000 years, President Rajapaksa recalled how the deadly Kebethigollewa massacre determined to destroy the blood-hunting LTTE terrorists.

“During my last visit to Kebithigollewa what I saw was a scene of terror with children like dolls massacred mercilessly in cold blood and the lamentation of the parents brought tears to millions in the country. That day, I promised to the tearful parents that I would not allow terrorists to repeat such massacres. And I am happy that I am able to visit Kebithigollewa again”, he said.

The President said ancient temples provide eloquent testimony to the heritage of the Buddhist people in Sri Lanka and also the best example of the Buddhist culture.

“Though peace has dawned there are still obstacles. War has ended but pressures have not abated. Terrorists have stopped kidnapping and deploying claymore bombs. Their accusations against Sri Lanka have not stopped. The funds terrorists spent on arms now are channeled to implement vicious agendas to drag us before International Courts. But we will move forward. We are also determined to continue the reconstruction of war-ravaged North and East and at the same speed; villages like Kebithigollewa too will be developed”, he said.

Healthy nation

During the past few months, joggers made their excersise sessions memorable with the sudden emergence of the leader of this country who came outside his hi-tech gymnasium proving that fresh air gives joggers extra relaxation. He wanted to create a healthy nation and has taken the lead while being an example to others.

At a prize-giving ceremony at the Anuradhapura Central College, President Rajapaksa emphasized that students should get involved in sports and other extracurricular activities if they want to succeed in future world. “ The challenges before the future generation is not easy if they are to win the world of tomorrow and they should not confine their activities only to books. Children should not only concentrate on academic achievements but sports, extracurricular activities, cultural, spiritual activities etc. This would provide them with necessary impetus to thrive in this competitive society and confront future challenges successfully”, he said.

He encouraged students to develop the habit of reading and pointed out that only through reading they can gain a wide knowledge on the country and the world.

"Give of your best"

Local Government heads of 22 local bodies won by the UPFA at the recently concluded polls were sworn-in at Temple Trees before President Rajapaksa, who advised the newly elected UPFA heads about their responsibilities.

“ You have been selected by the people to lead their respective areas. You should never try to misuse power vested with you. You should remember to put people’s needs before personal interest and you all need to have a highly disciplined and exemplary behaviour. Uppermost of all uphold the people’s trust as people had kept their trust in the UPFA to govern the country during the last two decades”, he said.

He also told them that it was time to put a stop to personal feuds and work as a team to fulfill people’s expectations and needs. “It was team-work that brought such an overwhelming victory to the UPFA.

We should work as a team in future and at all times. When appointing LG heads the party and colour did not come into consideration and that most suitable were appointed. You need to carry out your duties with 100 percent commitment”, he said.

President Rajapaksa emphasised that not only ministers and politicians, but, he was responsible for the protection of every citizen in the country. “ The authorities did not differentiate among people when providing security, but, had done so, based on the threat assessment of the particular individual who sought security.

I am committed to uphold this responsibility of protecting all people. When providing security, I did not differentiate between an MP, politician or any other individual but had provided protection on request, depending on the relevant individual’s threat assessment”, he said.

The President urged LG Heads that any lingering lawlessness would be eliminated systematically and added that the measures to bring to a complete halt the activities of the so-called underworld was in progress and stressed the need of protecting people was of the highest priority and urged all to support and contribute to the efforts in ushering a safer and secure environment for all.