|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 22 October 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
from R. Thurairatnam, Batticaloa Roving correspondent Sweden fully supports the peace process and a negotiated settlement of the conflict. Only a lasting peace can create conditions for sustainable economic development and opportunities for employment and prosperity for all people on this beautiful island, said Ms. Ann Marie Fallenius, from Sweden who was the Chief Guest at the Eastern University, Sri Lanka General Convocation 2002, which was held at the EUSL, Main Hall, recently. She said that Sweden's development co-operation is based on the idea that poor people shall be empowered to take control of their future. The struggle against poverty, oppression and conflict are integral parts of the Swedish development policy. Development co-operation must give poor people a better life, protect the environment, and promote peace, democracy and equality between women and men. Ms. Fallenius said Sweden's development co-operation with Sri Lanka started In 1958. Development co-operation, still forms an important part of our relations. But the focus in our co-operation has changed over the years and today it can be described more as a partnership based on mutual interest rather than aid in the traditional sense. She said in the agreement between Sweden and Sri Lanka on development co-operation, which was signed in 1998, the emphasis has been placed on support to programmes relating to the promotion of peace and democracy and to programmes aiming at stimulating economic growth including private sector development. Research co-operation is another area, which has been given a prominent place for several years. As a result many important networks have been built between researchers and students at Swedish Universities and researchers and students in Sri Lanka. Ms. Fallenius said that Sweden fully supports the peace process and a negotiated settlement of the conflict. Only a lasting peace can create conditions for sustainable economic development and opportunities for employment and prosperity for all people on this beautiful island. Sweden supports the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission with eight staff members and has declared its preparedness to make substantial contributions of humanitarian aid to the war-torn areas as well as support for the reconstruction of those areas, the latter kind of support when signs of a permanent peace are in place. She said, dear graduates, you are, as young academics very much needed in this country-this beautiful country that has been ravaged by war for so many years. But with a renewed hope for a peaceful settlement of the conflict we can see the dawn of a new era emerging at the horizon. This means that each of you will be part of the process to rehabilitate, reconstruct and reconcile this country in whatever capacity you may offer be it as a teacher, engineer, journalist, artist, accountant or whatever. The future of this country is very much dependent on you. Your work is deeply needed. And you must work for what you believe in, you must work for your visions and dreams to come true and you must work according to your special talents and training background, she said Dr. T. Varagunam, Chancellor, EUSL addressed at the convocation that, University teachers need to do more empirical research. The Eastern University, although a small university, is proud to have a total of 24 teachers who have been trained to carry out research by acquiring PhD degrees. We have several ongoing research projects, particularly in the Faculty of Agriculture. But we need to promote research much more vigorously if we are to be recognised internationally. A total of 272 internal students and 16 external students received their Certificates of graduation. Three Honorary degrees were conferred at the EUSL General Convocation-2002. Degree of Doctor of Letters to Rev. Fr. Benjamin Henry Miller presented by the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Degree of Doctor of Letters to late Dr. Nadarajah Vignarajah, presented by the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and the Degree of Master of Letters to R. Sivalingam, presented by the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Culture. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
