Desire for peace, progress and democracy
Following is the text of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa’s speech of acceptance of the “Doctorate Honoris Causa”
conferred on him for his contribution to world peace, by the Peoples’
Friendship University of Russia, on Sunday.
It is with a sense of humility that I accept the most prestigious
award of the “Doctorate Honoris Causa” of the Peoples’ Friendship
University of Russia. I do so because the accomplishments mentioned in
the citation stem not from my individual effort but from the efforts of
the people of Sri Lanka.
The citation spells out that the conferment is due to our
contribution to world peace. For over three decades the very existence
of our nation and the peace and prosperity of our people were threatened
by the menace of the LTTE, described as one of the deadliest of
terrorist organizations.
|
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the ceremony. Picture by
Sudath Silva |
When the terrorists adamantly rejected our sincere efforts for
negotiation, we had to use military means to defeat them in a
comprehensive manner. It was a humanitarian operation launched with
absolute care for the civilian population held hostage by the terrorists
for decades.
This evening, I stand before you having been pronounced only a few
days ago, the sixth Executive President of my country, on the basis of
an election held nationwide on a free and fair basis. The voters through
graciously conferring on me a share of almost 58 percent of the total
votes cast, made their desire for peace, democracy and progress known in
a very clear and forthright manner, although the campaign launched by
the Opposition was a vicious one. During the past four years, I have
been able to take my country to hitherto unknown heights in development.
It suffices to say that during the past four years our economy has
become stronger despite global recession, and there has been
unprecedented progress in every sector of the social and cultural life
of the nation. Although we were concentrating on defeating terrorism, we
did not forget the welfare of the people and infrastructure development.
Today, our business confidence levels are high. Our future needs in
energy, human resources and banking are already planned for. Our poverty
levels are dropping sharply. Our international recognition is presently
that of a middle income emerging market nation. These conditions make
Sri Lanka an obvious favourite of investors from all over the world.
It has always been my earnest resolve throughout my political career
of 40 years to respond to the trust placed in me by the people of Sri
Lanka. I am accordingly supremely confident that having united our
territory, I will be able to heal the wounds and unite the hearts of all
our people. This is the aspiration of our people.
The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia is dedicated to the
noble ideal of “uniting people of different nationalities, races and
religions through knowledge”. Patrice Lumumba, whose life inspired the
founding of this university, made it a point to stress that “we retain
the right to be friends with whoever we like in accordance with the
spirit of political neutrality”. This is very much the spirit in which I
propose to address myself to the massive challenges that confront me in
the years ahead.
I wish to warmly congratulate the Peoples’ Friendship University on
its Fiftieth Anniversary and to hail its magnificent and generous
contribution to humanity by enabling over the years tens of thousands
from the developing world to obtain within its halls, a first class
University education.
In doing so, the University has demonstrated the generous commitment
of Russia and her people. My country Sri Lanka has had the benefit of
several thousands of her citizens graduating from this University. To
strike a personal note, my younger brother is also a graduate of this
great hall of learning and I have had the good fortune to visit this
university in the 70s.
Before I conclude, I wish to quote from Appamada Vagga in Dhammapada,
the unprecedented Anthology of the Buddha’s word. The Enlightened One
says of Heedfulness,
Uttanavatho sathimatho - suchikammassa nisammakarino
Sagngnatassa cha dhammajeevino - appamattassa yasobhivaddathi
It means, “Mindful and striving, pure, restrained and righteous man
advances to fame and prosperity.”
In conclusion, I wish to thank all of you, for being here to share
our happiness and I wish you a bright future. |
