Common platform to counter terrorism

Anti-terror parley from today:

Rasika Somarathna

The International Conference on Counter Terrorism which will commence today at the BMICH, would pave the way in forming a common agenda to overcome the threat of terrorism globally, with the forum providing a much needed platform for experts to share their experiences, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said yesterday.

The conference themed Terrorism:A challenge to Democratically Elected Governments, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, would deliberate on matters pertaining to issues of terrorism. Delegates representing 23 countries will participate.

The three day confab will include thematic sessions focusing on international and regional responses to terrorism, the domestic dimension of terrorism, terrorist fund raising, socio-economic costs of terrorism, the role of the media and civil society along with the prospects for transformation of terrorists.

The Foreign Minister speaking to the media yesterday emphasised the need to eradicate the scourge of terrorism in all its manifestations and noted that the forum could act as a catalyst in reaching the desired goals in this regard.

The Minister highlighted the need to bring amendments in legislature to counter terrorism the world over and also the necessity to form a common agenda on maritime traffic to prevent terrorists from abusing these loop holes.

The Minister also noted that the confab would provide an ideal platform for key personnel to evolve viable domestic agendas, thus helping to curb terrorism globally with better interaction between countries.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama is to deliver the inaugural address with Dr.Gerard Chaliand who served as the Director of European centre for the Study of Conflicts in France delivering the key note address with the special guest of honour being the French investigating Magistrate on counter-terrorism affairs, Judge Jean Louis Bruguire.

The other principle speakers at the event would be former commander of the Indian Army Gen.V.P.Malik, Dr.Rohan Gunerathne Head of International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research-Singapore, David Leppan-founder and CEO World-Check, Shanaka Jayasekera-Researcher Macqiure University (Australia), Dr. Saman Kelegama-Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Shyam Tekwani-Asst. Nanyang University (Singapore) and the leader of TULF V. Anandasangaree. A conclusion panel discussion is to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.

Delegates from 23 countries will attend including Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Russia, South Africa and the US.