SAARC heralded new chapter in regional development -Azwer

Presidential Advisor and Media Ombudsman A.H.M. Azwer said the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo heralded a new chapter in the development and progress of the South Asian region.

He was speaking at the fifth School Islamic Day and the Annual Prize Day of the Amana International School, Kolonnawa at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo.

“The whole world has now turned towards Sri Lanka after President Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected as the Chairman of 1.5 billion people in the South Asia. It marked a momentous occasion, the history of our country,” he said.

Western Province Governor S. Alavi Mowlana, Deputy Higher Education Minister M.M. Musthaffa were the chief guests.

“It was a fitting tribute for the massive arrangements so well made by our Government when all the SAARC Leaders declared that there prevailed absolute peace and tranquillity during their stay in the country.

They thanked the Government profusely for providing the necessary security during the stay.”

The conference took a dramatic turn of importance when the Iranian Foreign Minister went to the extent of suggesting the formation of an Asian Parliament following the tremendous success of the SAARC conference under the admirable leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said Azwer.

“It was also a great redeeming feature to behold as over 500 media men from all SAARC countries assembling in Colombo and also the successful conducting of the SAFMA conference. The 15th SAARC conference assumed unparalleled centre - stage in the current World Affairs.

Even bigger countries like China, the USA, Korea and even Mauritius and the European Union vying for places as Observer States. They were also given the floor for the first time to make their comments at this historic Summit.

Principal M.M.M. Suaib, Director Alhaj K.M.R. Nizamdeen and several others also spoke.