Archives

Nelson Mandela hopes play will boost Sri Lanka peace bid

COLOMBO, Monday (AFP) Former South African president Nelson Mandela is supporting Sri Lanka's peace bid and had said he hopes a play about his life will inspire an end to ethnic bloodshed in the island, officials here said Monday.

Mandela congratulated the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for agreeing to enter Norwegian-backed talks scheduled for September 16 in Thailand, foreign ministry officials said.

In a message to mark the premiere of the play, "Mandela", in Colombo, the former South African leader said he wished "wisdom, endurance and above all the gift of tolerance" as both sides moved to the negotiating table.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando, who is a consultant to the play, and opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse were at the premiere on Friday.

"We hope that this play will be successful and that it will in some way serve as an inspiration to the people of Sri Lanka to find lasting peace for themselves and their children," Mandela said in his message.

"The major significance is the drama's reference to the South African experience of seeking change through dialogue, negotiations and peaceful settlement.

"Most of the world expected our country to experience one of the bloodiest racial conflagrations. As a people we confounded the prophets of doom by finding a negotiated settlement among erstwhile foes and adversaries."

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager