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| Thursday, 06 January 2005 |
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President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has designated Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar to lead Sri Lanka's delegation to the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on the aftermath of the tsunami, as her presence in the country is required due to the enormity of the relief efforts which are under way. He will be accompanied by Dr. S. Amunugama, Minister for Finance and Planning, Secretary Treasury Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General/Economic Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam and Assistant Director, M. Lenagala. This meeting which is scheduled to be held on January 6 in Jakarta, was proposed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore to coordinate the international response to the tsunami crisis, states a Foreign Ministry press release. President Kumaratunga in a letter to her counterpart in Indonesia, appreciated his country's willingness to come forward to host this meeting, at a time of experiencing the aftermath of the same disaster. She observed this gesture as a display of a spirit of fellowship and fortitude and above all essence of responsibility. She observed that the proposed meeting at this crucial time would no doubt mobilize the international community, to continue with their assistance for the rehabilitation and the reconstruction work in the affected countries in the immediate, medium and long-term. President Kumaratunga shared the views of the Indonesian President that a political call must be made to the UN and other Inter-governmental organisations to vigorously support the ongoing endeavours, and agree on extraordinary concerted measures to overcome the adverse effects of the tsunami catastrophe. The meeting would comprise presentations by affected countries in the region namely Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. Minister Kadirgamar would make the presentation on behalf of Sri Lanka. These presentations would cover the damage, emergency relief and estimation for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Statements would be made by the other participating countries which include in addition to the ASEAN member States, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A., the UN Secretary General, World Bank, ADB and the EU Presidency. The meeting would be concluded by the adoption of a Joint Declaration. |
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