Minister of Foreign Affairs
\nHon.Tyronne Fernando, P.C.,M.P.<\/p>\n
\"We look forward with confidence on a robust growth this year\"<\/p>\n
We are celebrating today, the 55th anniversary of our
\nindependence amidst growing optimism and confidence in our quest
\nfor a durable peace to end the conflict that has ravaged our
\ncountry for two decades.<\/p>\n
Firmly anchored in the people's mandate and sustained by their
\nconsistent support, the peace process has made substantial
\nprogress. The Ceasefire Agreement in force since February last
\nyear has ended senseless bloodshed and destruction.<\/p>\n
We are pursuing through dialogue and negotiation, our common
\nobjectives of achieving peace justice and development for all our
\npeople. There is firm commitment to go forward adopting an
\nincremental, step-by-step approach to progressively build mutual
\ntrust and confidence. We have reiterated our conviction to
\nsustain the process even when difficulties emerge in addressing
\ncontentious issues.<\/p>\n
On this occasion I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the
\ninternational community for their unwavering support and
\nencouragement in our efforts. Norway's facilitation has been
\ncrucial for the entire process. The monitoring mission consisting
\nof Nordic representatives has played a significant role in the
\nconsolidation of ceasefire. Bilateral donors and multilateral
\ninstitutions have demonstrated their firm support for
\nhumanitarian and rehabilitation programs as well as
\nreconstruction. Pledges at the Oslo meeting last November clearly
\nreflect this. The forthcoming Tokyo donor conference is expected
\nto provide further impetus to resource mobilization. Japan has
\nassumed a leading role in our economic rehabilitation and
\nreconstruction efforts. Our closest neigh hour India has also
\nbeen extremely supportive and understanding.<\/p>\n
Mutually agreed joint structures and mechanisms are being
\nestablished to channel resources and ensure speedy implementation
\nof projects. Peace and development processes are closely inter-
\nrelated and mutually reinforcing. They are central to our vision
\nof \"Regaining Sri Lanka,\" aimed at achieving economic revival and
\nprosperity. Prospects of peace combined with government's growth
\noriented strategies have already had a positives impact on the
\nSri Lanka economy during the past year. We look forward with
\nconfidence to a robust growth this year despite continuing
\nuncertain global environment.<\/p>\n
The expatriate Sri Lankan community plays an important role in
\nthe Sri Lankan economy and in protecting the country's image and
\ninterests abroad. I look forward to their active cooperation as
\nwe pursue the historic challenge of achieving peace,
\nreconciliation and prosperity for all our peoples in one Sri
\nLanka.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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