President Rajapaksa’s memorable words to the world

Sarath WIJESINGHE

President Rajapaksa is competent and experienced to address the world body on terror and peace as the leader who successfully eradicated the menace of terror that engulfed Sri Lanka for over three decades, in a short span of three years when the world was watching in disbelief the winning of the war which they claimed to be unwinnable. There are many other mighty and small nations who have become victims of terror including the USA, Britain, France, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other nations. But Sri Lanka was attacked by the most powerful and feared terrorist organization which has tentacles worldwide. Though it is completely eradicated on the ground in Sri Lanka the front organizations worldwide are active and the network is functioning with enormous sums accumulated and with the help of the misguided diaspora.

The President’s words that battle for peace is as important and difficult as the struggle against terrorism, are absolutely correct. It takes time to construct bridges, mend fences heal wounds and scars of unfortunate and unwanted wars which are bitter and unpleasant. Obviously it needs a lot of space for the healing and reconciliation process. Other countries have taken longer periods for healing process. It is not fair on the part of the international community to expect to heal wounds and make conciliatory steps in two years.

Terror regimes

President Rajapaksa has touched on terrorism briefly in his usual authoritative manner based on knowledge and experience. He mentioned in his speech that inconsistent standards and discriminating attitudes can internationally give a fresh lease of life to the force of terror. Terror regimes emerged in various guises, not necessarily based on armed struggles and bloody wars.

Today terrorism worldwide is emerging in the guise of front organizations with the existing network and funds collected by organized terror organizations, based in distant countries under the shade of various international and local organizations.

The victims of the fresh lease are the ‘Misguided Diaspora’ of Sri Lankans spread worldwide amply nurtured by front organizations and websites. They use every bit of modern cyber developments, technology accrued funds and the network of front organizations to achieve their ends.

Even the wealthiest and most powerful nations are not immune to the menace of terror, which has spread its tentacles worldwide with the international organizations and economic and political hotspots including world organizations.

World powers

USA and EU are the target areas of the terrorists armed with their economic and wealth with the power and the diaspora initially settled as asylum seekers. Today economic and political world powers are concentrated in the West though in time to come China, India and Brazil are going to be world powers. Britain, France and USA are deciding factors of the world body with veto powers and powers bestowed on them by the United Nations Charter. Russia and China though world powers acting together are a minority before the European and American world powers. After 65 years of existence of the United Nations, there is still no possibility to change the existence and outlook of the world body which is in need of drastic and immediate changes for the benefit of the world family in search of equality and fair play based on the sovereignty of nations.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated and appreciated the values and ideas on which the United Nations is established and the spirit of flexibility which has been a feature of the United Nations. There is a need to build trust and confidence in the UN and among the nations. Otherwise nations will act on their own without depending the UN for guidance.

Booming economy

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was supporting the establishment of a nation state for Palestinian territory for which they clamoured for nearly eight decades. Sovereignty of Israel was recognized in 1948 even without defined territories which is one of the main requirements to be a nation. It is time that the world accepts the two nation solution while security, independence and sovereignty of Israel with whom Sri Lanka has close and friendly relations. President Rajapaksa has been a sympathizer of Palestine for decades and has been consistent in the process with the Middle Eastern friends with whom he maintains a close friendship and rapport, as much as, the friendship and ties Sri Lanka developed with African and Asian countries.

There is absolute peace and a booming economy in Sri Lanka. Stock market is on the rise, tourism is growing fast which has given rise to investor confidence as a result of stable peace, infrastructure and rapid development.

It has become the most sought after tourist destination and ideal breeding ground for investor and investments. There is rapid development with infrastructures being built leading to be the best era in the annals Sri Lankan history. Therefore the world community should give Sri Lanka is a breathing space to live in peace and prosperity.

Resettlement of displaced persons has been reduced by 95 percent. This is the largest amount ever resettled in the recent history after the large-scale humanitarian operations. Presence of armed forces in the North and East which are affected areas one time has decreased and they are being utilized for development and construction process. Landmines are being eliminated with the worrying concern that it would take a decade to get rid of landmines completely. This indicates the gravity of the situation and the amount to be done on the pipeline.

The government is acting humanely with the misguided youth based on compassionate justice as has been done in 1970 when these youth took to arms. The government then established rehabilitation centres to transform them to be peaceful citizens. Most of them are today holding high positions in government and private sector.

The economic growth today is 22 percent. GDP growth is 8 percent. Employment has been brought down to 4.5 percent which are wonderful achievements within a space of 30 months. Sri Lanka needs breathing space and little a bit more time for peace and reconciliation.

The country has an internal effective human rights mechanism with an independent and vibrant judiciary, Human Rights Commission Bribery Commission and very powerful NGOs funded and supported by the entire world. Human rights violations are promptly taken into consideration and steps are taken locally and internationally. The LLRC - the independent commission appointed by the government as an international commission will release its report on November 15, 2011 with their recommendations for which the entire world is waiting.

These are good signs and good news for those who are interested and concerned about Sri Lanka. It is also noteworthy to mention that when Europe and other countries are faced with economic, political and other crisis Sri Lanka and South Asia are solid, stable and possess a unique system of protection of subjects based on Asian values.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the world not to eye Sri Lanka with preconceived notions. The misguided Diaspora is misguiding some countries with their enormous wealth. But the good news is that they are realizing the value of their country as peace and stability is bestowed after eradication of terrorism forever.

The President has reiterated that consensus, settlement and solution should be home grown and home based. Sri Lanka and India are model democracies that have proved since 1930s of their maturity in recognizing franchise. He believes in grass roots committees, with of the peoples and equality. It is not necessary for any other government organization to impose on Sri Lanka imported missions which are alien to our culture. Importation against our wishes has brought about unpleasant results.

The process for reconciliation, development and peaceful process and co-existence is fast growing based on great cultures and heritages running back to thousands of year's assimilated with modern system of government and great thinking and religions of the West which Sri Lanka has promptly embraced and put into practice.

President Rajapaksa's message to the world is clear and firm that he believes in the United Nations system and also the world order based on equal sovereignty and equal treatment to all.

We have come a long way for peace within a short time as has been done in the eradication of terrorism. Therefore it is the duty of the world community to act on the friendly gesture for peace and peaceful co-existence, of the Sri Lankan President to understand the issues in the correct perspective and work together for a peaceful, prosperous and a better world and future for all citizens of the globe.

Writer is the Sri Lankan Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates. He can be reached at Sarath8hotmail.com.