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| Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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Visit brought important results - PM
In this exclusive interview with Sunday Observer staffer Deepal Warnakulasuriya Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse who during his two-day visit met Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Party Leader Sonia Gandhi and Indian officials elaborates on the outcome of his visit. Question: How do you assess your recent visit to India as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka? Answer: It was quite a satisfactory working visit. I went to India on the invitation of the new Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and I was accompanied by Ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and Anura Dissanayake and two of my officials. In addition to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, our visit brought about important results in different areas which are mainly development-oriented. Q: What was the outcome of the talks you had with Dr. Manmohan Singh? A: Well, he confirmed the grant of US$ 150 million to Sri Lanka to cushion any increase in oil prices. On a request made by us, he agreed in principle to extend to Sri Lanka a further US$ 100 million for the development of highways and the rural road network which come under the Ministry of Highways. This would also cover financial assistance for infrastructure facilities in agriculture, irrigation and livestock sectors. Another US$ 30 million was also pledged through an Indian line of credit by the PM to import wheat flour to the country. No pre-conditions will be attached to any of these projects. The Indian Prime Minister also agreed to resume the ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin as early as possible and a new service between Colombo and Cochin will also be considered. Sri Lankan pilgrims who visit Buddhist places of worship in India will be exempted from the entrance fees (10 US dollars). The Prime Minister was also interested in having an easy flow of information in India about historically important Sri Lankan places in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Q: What is the stance India takes with regard to the Sri Lankan peace process? A: Yes, We had a long discussion on the Sri Lankan peace process. The Indian Prime Minister emphasized that any interim arrangement should be in the context of a final settlement and also extended his support to such initiatives which ensure that the peace process achieves its intended outcome. He was also of the view that any initiative on interim arrangements should be specifically against the backdrop of Southern consensus for a final solution. He also conveyed that the peace process and related activities should reflect the aspirations of all sections of society including all communities. He however, stressed that the cornerstones of the peace process should respect the framework of sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka as a sovereign country. Q: Did you have any dialogue over the much talked of `Defence Cooperation Agreement' between Sri Lanka and India? A: Yes, we discussed the issue. The matter has been discussed between the countries for some time. That is not something new. We have already agreed to finalise and give effect to it, once the Cabinet of Ministers of the two countries approved the contents. Instead of that, the Indian PM along with the National Security Advisor reaffirmed that India is willing to provide special training for Sri Lanka's VVIP Security Divisions. Q: What does the UPFA Government expect from India in settling the North-East crisis? A: From any country, we expect only some assistance to the development programs in the North-East. The Alliance Government will not be asking anything more from any country. India and Sri Lanka however, being neighbouring countries, have a good understanding about each other and the problems faced by each. Q: India shows a great interest in economic collaboration with Sri Lanka. How do you see it? A: Well, India is a country which mostly depends on its rural economy. They manage the country's economy, reaping maximum benefits from the infrastructure provided for the uplift of the rural economy. What we are trying to do in Sri Lanka is also to have a healthy economy depending on a rural economy. The Indian Prime Minister promised to extend their expertise, technical know-how and other assistance to upgrade our agriculture sector. Our discussion mainly focused on rural development and uplift of the living conditions of those in rural areas below the poverty line. As we discussed, I will be sending him specific proposals on agriculture, rural development and livestock, enabling India to meet our requirements. Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam also pledged to assist in the improvement of Sri Lanka's rural economy and upgrading the living conditions of rural folk, when I met him at Rashtrapathi Bhawan, his official residence last Monday. The Indian President said their government is willing to assist us to take knowledge and information to the village by developing information technology. The ruling Congress Party Leader Sonia Gandhi was also of the same view and showed her willingness towards an oil exploration project in Sri Lankan territorial waters without any cost to the Sri Lankan government. Q: What is the stance of the UPFA Government on resuming the stalled peace process and the highly spoken of aid package to the country? A: Commencing peace talks alone is not going to solve this problem. We have already made some preliminary arrangements for talks; any target should have a gradual process. The Freedom Alliance Government believes that the process should go concurrently with the relevant development projects. Therefore, the peace process is not stalled and we have taken a number of visible steps. Then, I think that there is an obligation as well as responsibility on the part of the international community to keep its promise of aid for the proposed development programs specially in the North-East. I also think that the only condition to this international aid package should be the poverty alleviation programs. India's offer of over US$ 250 million without any pre-conditions is a good example. Q: Will there be any differences within the UPFA over the proposals presented by the LTTE? A: We must keep the promises to the public who believed in the UPFA. When we formed the Alliance, we had a good understanding of each other. We are sure that we are capable of keeping the promises given to the public. We do not have any differences and we will not have any. Q: How do you see the tussle over proving the majority of the UPFA in Parliament? A: The majority in Parliament is necessary when an election comes in Parliament. However, we have the majority and this will be seen in the near future. All MPs in the Government have a commitment to the country and that commitment will strengthen the Government to go on to meet the aspirations of the people in the country. |
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