Sri Lanka looks to the future
Following is an article by President Mahinda
Rajapaksa as published in the Wall Street Journal of February 3, 2010
January 26 was an historic day for Sri Lanka. It was the first
presidential election for more than 25 years that was unaffected by the
terrorism and intimidation of the LTTE. The overwhelming majority of Sri
Lankans who exercised their democratic right that day voted for an end
to division, an end to terrorism and for a new beginning of peace and
prosperity. I am proud that the election was well fought, but peaceful
on voting day. All who wished to participate, could.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa |
But this victory is merely the start for Sri Lanka. After removing
terrorism from our country, I sought a full mandate from my people. Now
I shall seek to work to build our nation for all of them; to make the
nation stronger and more able to succeed in today’s globalized world.
I know as well as anyone that our future success relies on a lasting
peace. The removal of terrorism was an important milestone in this
process, but the nation needs to be bound by a common purpose. That
purpose will be built around a full reconciliation program. My new
government will address the genuine grievances of all communities and
bolster the enforcement of equal rights for all. We will emphasize
better police training to meet the new conditions of peace, and boost
representation from all groups in Sri Lankan society.
More importantly, the lasting peace will unlock the true potential of
Sri Lanka and provide a range of opportunities for all of our people.
Already the International Monetary Fund has upgraded Sri Lanka to a
“middle-income emerging market,” and our economy is now the second
fastest growing in Asia.
With our educated workforce and our strategic trading position, I
intend to make good on predictions that Sri Lanka can become South
Asia’s Singapore or better.
We will work hard to ensure that this economic growth benefits all
our people through improvements in job opportunities, skills training
and education. No one will be left out. No one will be left behind.
For citizens residing in the north and east, we will continue to
rebuild local infrastructure and essential facilities, so these areas
can grow in tandem with the rest of the country.
For people that were displaced by the conflict, we will realize their
expectations of new livelihoods in peacetime.
The people of these regions, whose lives were filled with fear and
despair, will now have hope and opportunity.
The evidence of peace and prosperity will be there for all to see. My
hope is that the world will come and see this change for themselves. We
ask tourists to come. Our island is full of unparalleled beauty. The
hospitality of my fellow countrymen has been described in the
superlative throughout history.
We ask investors to see the huge opportunities and natural resources
available to them, to experience the proud work ethic of Sri Lankans and
make use of the enormous talent of our graduates and adaptability of our
skilled workers.
We are sure that if the world’s people come to see the real Sri
Lanka, they will support our country. That, in turn, will benefit us all
through more trade and employment, jobs and opportunities.
I know that there are some people and policymakers abroad who have
criticized what we did to bring an end to violence and terrorism. They
said our measures threatened the people and undermined democracy.
This election has shown that the reality is very different. The
people of Sri Lanka, democratically and very clearly, have shown that
they are free of threats, fear and terrorism, and that they want to
embrace the future that could only be achieved through the decisive
measures taken last year.
I call on the international community to support us as we build a
peaceful and successful Sri Lanka, united in our resolve to achieve the
progress denied for decades.
My Government will work hard for all its people. Our economy will
grow and the highest standards of rights will be upheld. I can say with
confidence that Sri Lanka is ready for the new decade. |