|
It is with great expectations that we look forward to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of Independence on 4th February 2012.
19th of May 2009 marked the historic day that the country succeeded in eradicating LTTE terrorism and debilitated economic, social and cultural fabric of the country for thirty years. It was the far-sighted visions, guidance and leadership of H. E. Mahinda Rajapakse that contributed to the achievement of this historic feat. With the defeat of LTTE terrorism our Tamil brethren in the North and East as well as the general public of the rest of the country could heave a sigh of relief. They are now enjoying peaceful lives devoid of fear and anxiety.
The government had successfully completed reconstruction of government buildings, roadways, houses, places of religious worship and other infrastructure facilities in the North and the East that were destroyed or damaged during the war. Many a new infrastructure project that had been completed had changed the landscape of the North and the East. The resettlement of displaced persons in their usual habitat had brought contentment to these long suffering people. A series of development projects that are in progress had resuscitated the economy of the North and the East which was badly battered by the 30 year war.
Side by side the development activities in the North and the East the government had undertaken a number of mega projects that will usher in unprecedented economic development through out the country. Several prodigious projects such as Norochcholai Power Plant, Upper Kothmale Hydro Power Project and Hambantota Harbour which the previous governments never dared to undertake were started and successfully completed by the Rajapakse Government. Meaningful steps have been taken to promote Tourist Industry attracting foreign investments for construction of tourist hotels and resorts under a well drawn out tourism plan. Major part of the Southern Express Highway has already been completed and opened for the use of the public. The construction work of Mattala Airport is in progress and foundations have been laid for the Colombo South Harbour and Colombo-Katunayake Express Highway. In this manner the development projects that had been launched already and those that are in the pipeline would bring accelerated economic development in the areas of agriculture, industry, fisheries and tourism etc. it is a matter of pride and delight that the current economic growth rate of the country has exceeded 8%. The pragmatic economic policies of the government had led to a balanced economic growth both in the rural and the urban sectors in the country. With the rapid socio-economic development of the country that is being experienced at present we are optimistic that Sri Lanka will emerges before long, as the Wonder of Asia.
To sustain and consolidate the successes that the country has achieved in various sectors and to march towards continued progress, the co-operation commitment, right attitudes and sacrifice by the people of this country are essential. The unity among all ethnic groups in the country is vital towards achieving this laudable objective.
On this 64th Anniversary of Independence of our country, we all must make a firm resolution and commitment to work with unity, peace and harmony to make this beautiful country a happy and a prosperous nation. |
|
|
We, Sri Lankans celebrate the Sri Lanka’s 64th Anniversary of Independence with realization of peace, social harmony and economic prosperity of the motherland.
Since, May 2009, Sri Lanka has significantly moved towards building a peaceful society with economic prosperity in the South Asian Region. During the period, Sri Lanka was able to record a growth rate over 08% for two consecutive years in the history and is expected to sustain a further higher rate of growth in the coming years. The peace and political stability are being identified as core contributors for expansion of economic activities including inward movement of foreign direct investment, increasing inbound tourists, booming of construction industry in infrastructure and hotels and leisure sectors in the country.
In the economic front, the “Mahinda Chintana: The Vision for Future”, which is the policy framework of the Government, has envisaged transformation of Sri Lanka into an economic hub of the South Asia focusing on Aviation, Commerce, Maritime, Energy and Knowledge and also doubling the Per Capita Income to US$ 4,000 by 2016. In this context, the Government has already initiated a number of infrastructure development programmes along with various multifaceted social and economic development activities such as ‘Gamaneguma’, ‘Divi Neguma’, ‘Maganeguma’, ‘Gamidiriya’ etc in the rural areas for the upliftment of standards of living of the people.
In keeping with the ‘Mahinda Chintana: Vision for the Future’, the Ministry of External Affairs with the assistance of Sri Lanka Missions abroad has been vigorously pursuing a ‘Non Aligned Foreign Policy’ aimed at promoting and nurturing friendship and cooperation with members of the international community including the United Nations and members of the international organizations. In this regard, the active role played by our Missions abroad, Sri Lanka Agencies, Sri Lankan Associations and Sri Lankan Community for the promotion and protection of our interests abroad and for the well-being of our people, is much appreciated.
The Government of Sri Lanka under the leadership of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa has adopted the Parliamentary Select Committee as a platform to reach national consensus for a durable solution acceptable to all segments of the society while focusing on the benefits of the people in the Northern and Eastern regions of the country. The Government has also declared a Ten Year National Plan for Trilingual Sri Lanka aiming at durable peace and harmony among all Sri Lankan communities.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your invaluable contribution to Sri Lanka’s success in rebuilding the country over the years. I, on this memorable occasion, appeal to all Sri Lankans to join hands with the Government in its efforts for the nation building endeavour.
As we embark upon a journey towards lasting peace, unity and prosperity of our motherland, let us work together to make Sri Lanka “Wonder of Asia”. |
|
Thursday, 02 February 2012 09:37 |
|
As agreed between Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh and President Mahinda Rajapaksa during the latter’s State visit to India, inaugural Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka was held on 31st January 2012 in New Delhi. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Indian Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma Co-Chaired the meeting which was attended by officials of Defence Ministries and Armed Forces. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was assisted by the High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam and a delegation of senior officials of Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, comprising of Maj. Gen. R.M.D. Rathnayake, Rear Admiral S.A.M.J. Perera, Air Vice Marshal K.A. Gunatilleke and Deputy Inspector General of Police C.N. Wakishta.
Regional security situation, in particular maritime security of the Indian Ocean dominated the deliberations of the inaugural Annual Defence Dialogue. Among other issues, cooperative activities and programmes between the Security Forces of India and Sri Lanka, in all its aspects, were discussed. The Annual Defence Dialogue will provide senior defence officials of both countries a forum to meet and discuss matters related to defence and security, annually.
During his visit to India, Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa together with his counterpart called on Indian Defence Minister Shri A.K. Antony. Defence Secretary Rajapaksa also met the National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. |
|
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 15:35 |
Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna who is in Sri Lanka on a four day official visit met President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday at the Janadhipathi Mandiraya.
Source: Daily News, January 18, 2012
|
|
At the invitation of Prof Rahmat Mohamad, the Secretary General of Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO), headquartered in New Delhi, Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem is visited India from 23-27 January 2012 in his capacity as the current President of AALCO. It is customary for the Presidents of AALCO to visit the headquarters of the organization during their tenure.
During his visit to India, he met his Indian counterpart, Salman Khurshid, the Law Minister as well as the Attorney General of India Goolam Vahanvati. Issues of mutual interest and measures for greater cooperation between the legal entities of India and Sri Lanka were discussed at these meetings. Minister Hakeem met the Secretary General and other officials of AALCO on 24 January 2012 where a range of legal and other issues of common interest for Asian and African nations were discussed. High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India Prasad Kariyawasam accompanied the Minister at these meetings.
Addressing the New Delhi based Liaison Officers of AALCO, he thanked AALCO for the opportunity provided to Sri Lanka to host the milestone 50th Annual Session of the Organisation in Colombo in June 2011. Sri Lanka, is among one of the seven founding members of the AALCO and has the unique honour of chairing the newly constituted Eminent Persons Group of AALCO. Describing AALCO’s contribution in the international legal arena as groundbreaking, Minister Hakeem referred to the law of the sea, concept of archipelagic states, Bangkok Principles on treatment of stateless persons and refugees, law related to trafficking of women and children, as areas in which AALCO’s contribution has been substantial. He flagged some of the present challenges such as climate change, WTO related issues, Intellectual Property Rights, international terrorism, piracy and cyber crime where further deliberations are needed.
Minister Hakeem addressed a well attended gathering of New Delhi based diplomats, academics and scholars at a Seminar organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs, a pioneer Indian Think Tank, on the topic “Right to Protect : Asian & African Perspectives” at the prestigious Sapru House in New Delhi on 24 January 2012.
(Full text of Minister Hakeem’s Address) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 106 of 135 |
Copyright © 2024 High Commission of Sri Lanka in India. All Rights Reserved.