No tolerance of interference in SL’s affairs - President
*‘Government guided by people’s interests’
*‘We would consolidate hard won peace’
Rasika SOMARATHNA
Sri Lanka, as an independent country would not give in to any
arbitrary interference in its affairs. The government’s policy in
respect of all matters will continue to be guided by the vital interests
and well being of the people, President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted
yesterday.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa |
Referring to the resolution on Sri Lanka adopted by the United
Nations Human Rights Council, he said that Sri Lanka’s narrow defeat in
Geneva would please the LTTE proxies and the diaspora but not the people
of Sri Lanka.
The President also appreciated the stand taken by the 15 countries
that voted with Sri Lanka and the eight countries which by abstaining
declined to support it (23 out of 47), despite the intensity of
pressure, in a variety of forms, exerted on them all. President
Rajapaksa addressing the large gathering at a main ceremony held at
Wevita Maithri Vidyalaya premises, Bandaragama also noted that what Sri
Lankans sought from his government when it came to power in 2005 was the
establishment of freedom and honourable peace.
He pointed out that the government had done that and more in a very
short span without succumbing to pressure or influences.
“As a result,” he said “the country today was on the path to rapid
economic development while ensuring freedom and dignity of all people
without discrimination.”
He stressed that whatever obstacles faced, the government was
determined to carry forward and consolidate on the hard earned gains of
establishing peace, stability and propagating development which were
achieved after 30 years of instability and violence. The main ceremony
at the launch of the Eka Gamakata Eka Wedak - development projects for
all villages programme- was held at Bandaragama. The programme was
simultaneously launched in all Grama Seva divisions (over 14,000) in the
country yesterday.
Accordingly, development projects will be carried out in all villages
for the benefit of people with Rs. one million allocated for each
project.
The President also pointed out that development was wholesome and was
not confined to any single sector or area and also spiritual and morale
habits of the people too were improving since the end of violence.
However, he pointed out that some elements were blind to this
impressive progress in all sectors as their eyes were clouded by
jealousy, hatred and petty interest.
The President said that certain elements that never went to the north
were going there after a resolution came up against the country in
Geneva and were preaching that the government has not done anything in
the area.
"To whom are they trying to send this message and for whose benefit
are they working at such a crucial time for the country? the President
questioned.
The President also pointed out that the present government had always
dedicated itself to ensuring democracy, promotion and protection of
human rights, guaranteeing equality, dignity, justice and respect for
all.
"In ensuring promotion and protection of human rights the country
always has looked to the values it has nurtured in its proud 2,500 year
history and religious teachings of all faiths, he added.
"However, when some country's are trying to stand on their own feet,
there are some elements with vested interests who try to bring them
down, using various issues", he added.
President Rajapaksa pointed out that despite the malicious agendas of
these elements, the ordinary masses were speaking with one voice on
behalf of the country.
He said that Sri Lanka would continue to seek domestic remedies for
its issues. "Whatever the challenges we would not allow the ugly head of
terrorism to re-surface. We would consolidate and achieve further
progress in our quest towards achieving development, peace and
prosperity, he added.
He urged the people to rally round the government to build the
country without falling victim to malicious propaganda. On the
development initiative launched yesterday he said that this was a
historic one which would further consolidate the ongoing development at
village level. He also said that many such projects which will benefit
the people are in the pipeline.
The new initiative launched yesterday is another project under the
national development programme "Gama Neguma" which is being conducted
under the purview of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
The Wevita Lake in Bandaragama is to be renovated under the 'Eka
Gamakata Eka Wedak' programme. During yesterday's ceremony the President
also commissioned the Wevita Maithri Vidyalaya as a secondary school.
Many other development initiatives too were opened in the area to
coincide with the occasion.
Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Ratnasiri Wickremenayake, Bandula
Gunewardene, Rohitha Abeygunewardene, Reginald Cooray, Western Chief
Minister Prasanna Ranatunge, Janaka Bandara MP, members of the clergy,
school teachers, students and a large crowd were present. |