Solving problems:

Understanding is first step - Prime Minister

Understanding is the first step in solving problems, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne addressing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Asia Regional Conference said Saturday at Hotel Hilton, Colombo.

He said, "In addressing these problems we should keep in mind the possible social issues such as the growing gap between the rich and poor. It is our duty to ensure an equitable distribution of resources and benefit of the growth. We must provide job security for our youth, hope for the younger generation and social support for the old.

All this places, a heavy responsibility on us, Parliamentarians who are the elected representatives of the people. But it is not a responsibility we are incapable of addressing. In this respect, we ought to learn from each other because understanding is the first step in solving problems.

The Premier said the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is an organization which has through the decades, promoted Parliamentary democracy in the countries of the British Commonwealth. Its primary aim is to improve the social standards of the people in its member-countries by improving democratic governance. It has addressed major issues like ensuring women's rights, curbing corruption and providing effective oversight. Towards this end, they have organized conferences and workshops both for members and staff of Parliaments, assisted in election monitoring, published books and newsletters, etc."

He said, "The South Asia Region of the CPA was formed a few years ago. We were originally one branch along with India. Therefore, I am very pleased to note the presence of the Hon Speaker of Lok Sabha as our chief guest. Madam, your presence is a privilege to us.

"This conference is being held at a time when our countries have achieved much and yet we face huge challenges. In Sri Lanka, we have successfully defeated the separatist terrorist movement under the enlightened leadership of our President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa. Now we have embarked on an accelerated development drive to make our country the 'Wonder of Asia'. Side by side, with this, we have been dealt a severe economic blow by the recent floods, Prime Minister Jayaratne said.

The Prime Minister said, "Pakistan too has suffered great damage due to the recent floods and the loss of life and property there, has deeply disturbed all of us. These are problems of great magnitude which require our urgent attention. Our countries are expected in the near future to face problems such as the rising cost of living, inadequate water supply, escalating cost of fuel, droughts and other natural disasters due to changing climatic conditions. We need to be prepared to face these challenges if we are to avoid major calamities such as food crisis in the near future.

"This is why I feel that the topics chosen for your conference are timely and relevant. Climate change and natural disasters, poverty alleviation, welfare of mother and child, etcetera are all matters affecting our whole region, if not the whole world. These are problems that transcend national borders. Therefore, they need to be addressed with international co-operation. It is we, the elected members of our Parliaments, who feel the pulse of the people, it is we who can articulate the concerns of our people and it is we who have the duty to see that these problems are effectively solved by the Governments," he said.

"Therefore, I hope that during the next few days you would have a successful conference which will be of benefit to all our countries. I also hope that you would have time to travel and get a glimpse of our beautiful country before you head back home," the Premier said.