SAARC Agreement to combat regional terrorism

by Nilma Dole

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday denied allegations that the funds allocated for the 15th SAARC summit were not used wisely.

“The SAARC fund that was given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs amounted to Rs. 2.86 billion. 344 million which is 11.95% of the total supplimentary estimate was dispensed for the SAARC Summit”, he said.

He was speaking at a media briefing at the BMICH. Further, he noted “75.287% of the supplimentary estimate comprising Rs. 2100 million is allocated for the police department”.

This is in lieu of maintaining the high security around Colombo by increasing and strengthening police departments whilst also investing in the latest technological aids for any security obstacles.

The Foreign Ministry has given 222 million to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) for the facelifting of the city in addition to the funds the CMC already has. The Foreign Affairs building is being renovated at a sum of 47 million under a government contractor to fulfill SAARC organisation requirements, while monies are kept aside for the media fraternity as well, the Minister commented.

Meanwhile F/M Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona said the SAARC Agreement on Mutual Criminal Matters will be signed at the 15th SAARC Summit that will be held in Colombo from today till the 03rd of August.

Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Dr. Kohona stated “This agreement will assist the police forces of the SAARC member countries on criminal matters pertaining to law and order with a firm emphasis on combating terrorism”.

For example, when a criminal from a SAARC country flees into another, the police forces will work unitedly to track down and prosecute them, he added.

Other agreements being signed at the Summit will be the SAARC Standard Coordination Code Element which will unite the SAARC countries on common ground with appropriate standards and the SAARC Development Fund which will be established with key funder India pledging US$ 100 million.

Afganistan’s ascession to the South Asian Free Trade agreement (SAFTA) will also be a noteworthy pinnacle at this year’s SAARC Summit.