‘Lanka set an example on many fronts’:

Let us exhaust our own mechanisms - PM

Sri Lanka has been able to set an example on many fronts. As a developing nation, the country maintains high human development standards including achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while fighting a brutal war, said Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne addressing the UN Day celebration held on October 24.

“We urge those who have concerns on Sri Lanka to be patient and allow us time and space to exhaust our own mechanisms,” he said.

Following is the speech:

“I am pleased to be here with you today, at this solemn occasion to mark the 66th Anniversary of the founding Charter of the United Nations. Each year, on 24th October, many millions of people around the world who believe in, and abide by the ideals of peace, development and human rights, reaffirms their determination and commitment to strengthen and uphold the universal values and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

There is no better day than today, to look in retrospect; and reassert;

* That we spare no efforts, in saving our world from bitter conflicts and practise tolerance;

* That we respect right to life for everyone, and ensure all other fundamental human rights for all;

* That we build a just and fair world for nations, large and small, based on mutual respect;

We are humbled by the progress we have made together, as a global family. Gains in literacy, improved life expectancy, the spread of knowledge and technology, empowerment of people through democracy and the rule of law, etc, are indeed important strides in our traverse through the annals of the history, while facing many challenges.

However, one cannot be complacent. It is time to redouble our efforts and act in unison to do more, in realizing the founding objectives of our world body-the United Nations. It is incumbent upon all of us, to bring the spirit of “we the people”.

Over the last six decades we have gone through multiple crises - escalating food and fuel prices, financial and economic instability, pandemics and many other health hazards, have taken its toll on humanity- in particular, the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of our societies. Some of the contemporary threats that we have to grapple with no longer are confined to national borders. Terrorism, other forms of illicit and organized crimes, proliferation of conventional and nuclear arms, cyber crimes, unprecedented magnitudes and frequencies of the natural disasters are just a few to name. In the rush to development, irreparable damage had been caused to the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Hence, climate change is no longer a scientific phenomenon. It is a bitter reality that begs concerted and urgent action.

It is therefore time, not to get embroiled in rhetoric, but to act. It is time, for those who polluted the environment to take the onus and provide genuine leadership in containing further deterioration.

As the most representative world body, the United Nations is in a unique position to consolidate support for common action against these multiple challenges confronting humanity. It is timely to look inward and take a candid assessment on the performance of the UN system, and prepare to undertake reforms where necessary.

To fortify its role as the centre for global governance, and deliver better, it is imperative for the UN system to exhibit impartiality towards powerful and not so powerful alike, be credible in executing mandates, transparent and objective in the conduct of business. Sri Lanka’s association with the United Nations has been long and strong. Our relationship with UN has certainly been a mutually beneficial partnership. You are aware that Sri Lanka has, since becoming a Member of the UN, contributed actively, to the work of the UN in many fields, from disarmament matters to outer space issues, law of the sea, and justice system to trade and development etc.

We now have extended our support, although in a modest way, to expand our peacekeeping contribution, to assist the UN in carrying out its fundamental objective of maintaining international peace and security.

H.E President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s leadership enabled to free the country from the clutches of one of the most brutal terrorist organizations of our times. Government of Sri Lanka sincerely acknowledges the cooperation and humanitarian assistance it has received from the UN system and many other friendly nations, over the 30 years long conflict in our country. Since the end of the protracted conflict in May 2009, we have entered into a new era of peace, prosperity and reconciliation.

We have been forthwith in our engagements, and in the same spirit look forward for constructive engagement with the UN and international community.

As a sovereign and democratic state, we have always been conscious of our responsibility to ensure the well-being of all Sri Lankans, because, it is the right thing to do, for the interest of the country, and her people, at this critical juncture.

The less told story about Sri Lanka is that we have been able to set an example in many fronts.

As a developing nation, the country maintains high human development standards, including achieving some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as education and Health, while fighting a brutal war. We have cared for all ex-child combatants and treated them as victims and not as perpetrators.

Despite negative predictions and speculations on our capacity to handle such a challenge, we have re-settled over 280,000 civilians except in case of few hundreds, in their original habitats.

Reinvigorated the democratic process by holding free and fair elections, in the former conflict theatres and allowing people to select their leaders. For those who have concerns on Sri Lanka, we therefore urge, to be patient and allow us time and space to exhaust our own mechanisms.

I wish to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the United Nations Charter.

It is also our wish to see the UN system delivering results. Live upto the expectations of its Members; in bringing peace, harmony and stability to a troubled world, so that the future of every child is secured!”