UN commends Govt's development efforts

The United Nations commended the Government's post-2009 development activities last week, saying that the Government has set an example to other countries with the impressive progress made in resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Subinay Nandy said infrastructure development projects are also progressing successfully.

"The relationship between these achievements and reconstruction efforts and the genuine drive to achieve reconciliation must be carefully nurtured by creating suitable conditions and resolute political commitment to enforce policies that respect and protect minority rights, and encourage dialogue, peace and reconciliation," the UN official said.

Nandy was addressing a ceremony at the National Youth Services Council in Maharagama to mark the 68th anniversary of the United Nations. He said the Government has succeeded in establishing democracy in the Northern Province with the recently concluded Provincial Council elections and has given the people in the North the opportunity to gain recognition and respect by promoting a dialogue on sharing power and engaging in efforts to bring about reconciliation and long-term peace. The UN representative also praised Sri Lanka for the efforts taken to enhance national reconciliation and pledged the UN's utmost support to Sri Lanka in its move to make the aspirations of the public a reality.