Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon.Tyronne Fernando, P.C.,M.P.
"We look forward with confidence on a robust growth this year"
We are celebrating today, the 55th anniversary of our
independence amidst growing optimism and confidence in our quest
for a durable peace to end the conflict that has ravaged our
country for two decades.
Firmly anchored in the people's mandate and sustained by their
consistent support, the peace process has made substantial
progress. The Ceasefire Agreement in force since February last
year has ended senseless bloodshed and destruction.
We are pursuing through dialogue and negotiation, our common
objectives of achieving peace justice and development for all our
people. There is firm commitment to go forward adopting an
incremental, step-by-step approach to progressively build mutual
trust and confidence. We have reiterated our conviction to
sustain the process even when difficulties emerge in addressing
contentious issues.
On this occasion I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the
international community for their unwavering support and
encouragement in our efforts. Norway's facilitation has been
crucial for the entire process. The monitoring mission consisting
of Nordic representatives has played a significant role in the
consolidation of ceasefire. Bilateral donors and multilateral
institutions have demonstrated their firm support for
humanitarian and rehabilitation programs as well as
reconstruction. Pledges at the Oslo meeting last November clearly
reflect this. The forthcoming Tokyo donor conference is expected
to provide further impetus to resource mobilization. Japan has
assumed a leading role in our economic rehabilitation and
reconstruction efforts. Our closest neigh hour India has also
been extremely supportive and understanding.
Mutually agreed joint structures and mechanisms are being
established to channel resources and ensure speedy implementation
of projects. Peace and development processes are closely inter-
related and mutually reinforcing. They are central to our vision
of "Regaining Sri Lanka," aimed at achieving economic revival and
prosperity. Prospects of peace combined with government's growth
oriented strategies have already had a positives impact on the
Sri Lanka economy during the past year. We look forward with
confidence to a robust growth this year despite continuing
uncertain global environment.
The expatriate Sri Lankan community plays an important role in
the Sri Lankan economy and in protecting the country's image and
interests abroad. I look forward to their active cooperation as
we pursue the historic challenge of achieving peace,
reconciliation and prosperity for all our peoples in one Sri
Lanka.