Govt. will mobilise all resources to end terrorism - Foreign Minister

COLOMBO: Government will mobilise all its resources to bring to an end all acts of terrorism while evolving a political solution for the North East issue, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told the Colombo based Diplomatic Corps and the UN Agencies yesterday.

Addressing the Diplomatic Corps on his first day in office, the Minister said Government will be able to present a political solution that is currently being worked out to all stakeholders within a short period of time. At the same time, the Minister said the Government will not tolerate terrorism, in any form.

In his address to the Diplomatic Corps and the UN Agencies the Minister emphasised the necessity of maintaining a close dialogue between the Ministry and the Colombo based diplomats to further enhance the links between Sri Lanka and international community.

"In the process of carrying forward the objectives of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, I would endeavour to transform the Foreign Ministry to be the window of Sri Lanka to the world outside", the Minister asserted.

In this effort, he stressed the need to have an effective dialogue between the Foreign Missions in Colombo and the Foreign Ministry, as well as our Missions abroad and the respective governments they are accredited to.

The Minister said he was ready to meet the members of the Diplomatic Corps and have meetings with them in groups or individually at regular intervals on matters of mutual interest, as well as those of concern.

Speaking on the commitment of the Government to find a negotiated settlement to the current problem, Minister Bogollagama said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has articulated this position in no uncertain terms.

Referring to the foreign visits he undertook immediately on his appointment as Foreign Minister, Minister Bogollagama said they were very successful visits.

He complimented the governments of India and Germany for the warm welcome extended to him and Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona and the arrangements made for productive meetings at very senior levels.

The Foreign Minister expressed his desire to visit other countries both in the neighbourhood and those outside in the near future.

Referring to the economic efforts launched by the Government, the Minister sought the support of the Diplomatic community in the drive to enhance investment, trade and tourism from their countries to Sri Lanka.

He also expressed his commitment to promote cultural diplomacy, to place before the world the historical traditions of Sri Lanka and create an awareness of our rich heritage.

Minister Bogollagama assured the members of the Diplomatic Corps that the Ministry would be at their disposal at all times.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussein A. Bhaila, Secretary, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Palitha Kohona and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present.