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Govt. has no intention of being 'sole owner' of peace process - Tyronne

The UNF government has no intention of being the 'sole owner' of the peace process. It will let every citizen be a partner of the historic course, Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando told a meeting in Moratuwa recently.

"This is a time when history is being created in a bold manner. Sri Lankans have demonstrated their cultured qualities to the entire world by maintaining a crucial ceasefire for 12 months. Every citizen can boast of and be proud of it," said Fernando addressing a ceremony to mark the opening of a new timber depot at Moratumulla by the State Timber Corporation (STC) at his request.

This was in line with the celebrations to mark Fernando's completion of 25 years in Parliament.

"We have been given an opportunity to correct all mistakes since independence. The Government will take every possible step to do the maximum to fulfil this mandate," Fernando said.

"Sri Lanka, a country known to the world as a killing land, has now become a land of peace while setting an example to those searching for the path of peace, I, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, can firmly and proudly tell the world about the present satisfactory status of my country," he said.

"The entire country is benefitting from peace process. Carpenters in Moratuwa who have re-establishing their older links with Jaffna, are among the major beneficiaries. I have taken a special interest in looking after the interest of these carpenters. A number of projects have been launched during the last 12 months to look after them and bring their productions to international status. As one of them, the State Timber Corporation with the assistance of its Chairperson Renuka Herath, will take every possible measure to provide them with timber at a lower price," Minister said.

The Government intends to improve the quality of life of the people while encouraging them for self-employment. A permanent peace will facilitate all such efforts and our people should take the maximum benefit out of that opportunity, he added.

STC Chairperson Renuka Herath and Director Denzil Silva also spoke.

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