For our efforts in finding peace:

Mukherjee pats Sri Lanka on the back

by Manjula FERNANDO

The Finance Minister of India, Pranab Mukherjee speaking in the effective elimination of terrorism and secessionism from Sri Lanka said that Sri Lankans have gained the opportunities to shape history and permanently change the complexion of the relationship between majority community and the minorities, to bring permanent peace and stability to Sri Lanka.

Mukherjee made the above observations at the Kadirgamar Memorial Oration - 2009 held at the Committee Room-A at BMICH in Colombo yesterday.

The event was presided over by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka. Mrs. Suganthie Kadirgamar and a distinguished gathering of local and foreign guests were present at the event.

Excerpts from the oration are as follows:

"Indeed, the vision which Lakshman Kadirgamar had, both for close fraternal relations between India and Sri Lanka and for the future of Sri Lanka itself continues to inspire our thinking.

It was he who dreamt of a world in which India and Sri Lanka would work together to build on our shared geography, history and culture in a relationship defined in his eloquent words by "irreversible excellence". It was also Lakshman who believed that Sri Lanka should remain united, and that its people should live together in an atmosphere of confidence and trust. As Lakshman Kadirgamar himself said in September 2004 and I take the liberty of quoting him at some length and I quote, "I believe that all our peoples can live together, they did live together.

I think they must learn to live together after this trauma is over.

I see no reason why the major races in this country, the Tamils and Sinhalese cannot again build a relationship of confidence and trust. That is my belief.

That is what I wished for and in working for that; I will not be deterred ..." (Unquote). It is indeed a matter of irony that when such a dawn finally arrives in Sri Lanka this year, after nearly three decades of conflict and pain, Lakshman is no more in our midst. "It is now for - the people of Sri Lanka - to prove him right and to realize his vision by building mutual trust and confidence between all people on this island and live together as brothers and sisters within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.

"The effective elimination of terrorism and secessionism from Sri Lanka offers you such an opportunity; an opportunity to shape history; an opportunity to permanently change the complexion of the relationship between the majority community and the minorities; an opportunity to address the legitimate grievances of all communities; and an opportunity to bring permanent peace and stability to this great nation. These are sine qua non for building the Sri Lanka of the future - a future in which all communities will live side by side and enjoy the same rights and privileges and get the same opportunities.

"After freeing the Tamils from terrorist forces, it is natural that the first and primary focus of the Government of Sri Lanka has been to ensure the immediate welfare and safety of its citizens.

Thousands of Tamils have come out of the conflict zone traumatized by the conflict and harbouring deep concern and fear of what the future holds for them.

These citizens need reassurance. They yearn to return to their homes and resume their livelihood. Several thousand Internally Displaced Persons have indeed been resettled recently and we welcome this development. However, many more await their turn for resettlement in camps. We are confident that their speedy return is receiving the highest consideration of the Government.

India has not hesitated to come to Sri Lanka's assistance at this crucial juncture. This is only natural. We have announced an assistance of Rs.500 crores for the rehabilitation and resettlement in the North and are willing to do more.

We are moving from purely relief efforts to a broader rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.