Help protect Lanka's image

President's clarion call to Lankans abroad:

Pramod de Silva in New York

US: President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a fervent appeal on Monday to Lankan expatriates all over the world to help protect the country's good name in the international arena.

Addressing a gathering of Lankans domiciled in New York and other parts of the US at the Buddhist Vihara in New York, President Rajapaksa said all Lankans living abroad were 'ambassadors' who could play a yeoman service in protecting the country's global image.

"Some unpatriotic politicians driven by jealousy are making statements that demean Sri Lanka in the eyes of the international community. You, as patriotic Lankans, must come forward to dispel such adverse propaganda," the President said.

He noted that some local and foreign elements irked by the Government's attempts to build a 'New Sri Lanka' and eradicate terrorism were describing Sri Lanka as a 'failed state'.

Their main argument is that the Government did not respect human rights. "I am a human rights campaigner myself. Besides, with our Buddhist heritage, we do not have to learn about human rights. Respecting human rights comes to us naturally," the President said, outlining the steps taken by the State to ensure the rights of all communities.

Stressing that the Government was battling a ruthless terror group, the President said the Security Forces has succeeded in defeating a band of terrorists who many thought of as 'invincible'.

"They said the terrorists cannot be defeated. On the contrary, we have liberated the entire East and now, areas such as Silavathura. Now they are confined to Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu," he remarked. He told the Lankan expatriates that the Government was developing the economy amidst these constraints. "Again, some are saying that Sri Lanka is bankrupt. But the international community has placed its confidence in the Lankan economy.

If we are bankrupt, they would not have come forward to grant us aid." The President noted that economic growth and the eradication of terrorism alone would not suffice to ensure a brighter future for the younger generation, unless moral values are inculcated in them.

"We are spearheading such a programme of propagating moral values. There is a Buddhist revival in the country. This is a good sign for a better future."

He recalled his previous visits to the New York Buddhist Vihara to seek the blessings of the Maha Sangha in North America who were rendering a great service to disseminate the Buddha Dhamma.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said Sri Lanka was on a "new track" towards development under President Rajapaksa's guidance. The international community was supportive of the Government's endeavours for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and development.

He said the Government appreciated the role played by Lankan expatriates and the diplomatic service would be better equipped to serve them. Chief Incumbent of the New York Buddhist Vihara Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Nayaka Thera delivered an anusasana.

The Maha Sangha from the Buddhist Viharas in New York, New Jersey, Boston and Staten Island chanted Seth Pirith to bless the President, Ministers, the Security Forces and people.