No development without peace -President Rajapaksa
Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE
President Mahinda Rajalapks said the prime objective of the
government is to place the country on a rapid development track
forgetting all bitter incidents caused by the conflict, since three
decades of terrorism had a serious impact on the country's progress.
The President made these comments when he met youth from 13 countries
who came to Sri Lanka on the Fujimaru ship under the Ship for World
Youth programme.
Answering a question raised by a representative from Venezuela, the
President emphasized that it is the objective of the government to
forget the bitter past including the dark days of terrorism and rebuild
the country where development was disrupted for over 30 years.
The Ship for World Youth programme is organized by the Japanese Prime
Minister's office with the objective of creating mutual understanding in
religious, cultural and educational fields among the youth of different
countries. Accordingly, the Fujimaru ship docked at the Colombo Harbour
with 275 youth. The ship left Sri Lanka yesterday afternoon after an
event was held at the Colombo Harbour under the patronage of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The President said that peace cannot be achieved without development
and similarly development cannot be achieved without peace.
"There has not been any development when there is no peace and if
there is no peace, there will be no development" the President noted.
The government is building infrastructure facilities in areas that were
destroyed by the terrorists. He said that precious time cannot be wasted
responding to questions raised about terrorism. He said that it is his
objective even to use such valuable time for the benefit of the people.
'Development work is being carried out on an equal footing throughout
the country.. The President pointed out that various development
activities and projects are being carried out in areas which were badly
affected by terrorism. Under various programmes, hospitals, roads,
schools and many other infrastructure facilities, social and health
development activities are being carried out. No time can be wasted in
vain other than utilizing it for the betterment of the people. All parts
of the country are experiencing rapid development. He said the
participation of youth from the North and East as well in the Fujimaru
Ship for World Youth programme is a fine example for equal development.
The President said that it is the government's main aim is to
maintain 8 percent economic growth. The President was thankful for the
international assistance being received in this connection. The
International Youth Conference of 2014 is to be held in Sri Lanka and
the President launched a website relating to this Conference. |