Nations are defined by how they treat their minorities - Raj Rajaratnam

Raj Rajaratnam, in an exclusive interview with LMD, in its latest issue says "There is strong domestic and international support for the territorial integrity of the country.

The President has repeatedly stated that he is striving to create an inclusive society in which all citizens enjoy equal rights. It is important that the entire country - and its backers abroad - support this vision and assist him in translating this into reality. Nations are often defined by how they treat their 'minorities' and their most vulnerable populations."

Discussing the end of hostilities, the Founder and Managing Partner of The Galleon Group tells LMD that "the end of armed hostilities anywhere in the world is a very good development" and points out that this is an opportunity to build a better future.

As for the issues that remain unresolved, Rajaratnam feels that it is important "not to get too bogged down in narrow issues that have emotional baggage".

He stresses that the challenge is to create an overall environment that builds trust on all sides, and creates conditions that enable each and every Sri Lankan to live in dignity, and in safety.

Rajaratnam says that it is the responsibility of all Sri Lankans and their supporters to ensure that the peace is won.

"The Government's role can be greatly facilitated if the people are committed to an inclusive society that transcends divisions based on ethnicity, religion, caste and class," he says.

The wide-ranging interview - which covers a host of topics, including funding and fiscal affairs, Supreme Court verdicts, rehabilitation and global economic revival - appears in full in the August edition of the magazine.