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.