'No need for int'l policeman'

Sandasen MARASINGHE, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris yesterday stated in Parliament that Sri Lanka does not need an international policeman to solve its internal matters.

He also stated that Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation and can solve its internal issues on its own.

The External Affairs Minister made this observation joining the committee stage debate of the Appropriation Bill under Finance Heads of the External Affairs Ministry in response to a statement made by TNA MP R Sampanthan.

Minister Peiris further stated that Sri Lanka is maintaining strong relationships with foreign countries under its foreign policy.

The External Affairs Minister further stated that Sri Lanka could get the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Heads of State Summit in 2013 as a result of those strong foreign relationships.

He also recalled that the Sri Lankan delegation to Geneva led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in last September could make a country that attempted to move a resolution against Sri Lanka withdraw it with the support of other countries.

Minister Peiris further stated that when a particular country attempted to move another resolution at the Commonwealth Summit against Sri Lanka in Perth, Australia in last October, 15 countries stood against it protecting Sri Lanka. He added all these achievements were results of the foreign policy maintained by the government.

The Minister also stated that the Prime Minister of Quatar was in Sri Lanka on Tuesday and Quatar will invest US $ 1,000 million in Sri Lanka.

The Minister also stated that the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister will be in Sri Lanka today and will enter into few agreements investing millions of US dollars in Sri Lanka.

The Japanese investments too increased in Sri Lanka with the visit of Japanese special envoy Yasusi Akashi.

The Minister stated that Sri Lanka is strengthening relationships with the Latin American countries, African countries, East European countries and countries in Asia.

Minister Peiris referring to TNA MP R Sampanthan's speech stated that he made an emotional speech. He spoke to heart not to brain and it was not a balanced speech as well. He said he vehemently condemn the content of his speech as a government minister.

The Minister also said that he refuses TNA MP Sampanthan's proposals of presence of UN representative here, introduce the R2P norm to Sri Lanka and commence a foreign investigation in connection with Sri Lanka.

He also said that the TNA in a discussion with the government to reach a solution in connection with issues in Sri Lanka. He also questioned if it were the stance of R Sampanthan how could both parties reach a consensus by means of bilateral discussions.