As confidence-building measure:
EU urged to engage in SL's development process
Sri Lanka's ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha
Aryasinha called on the EU to further engage in Sri Lanka's development
process, saying it will serve as an important confidence building
measure in strengthening EU-Sri Lanka relations.
Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU
Ravinatha Aryasinha meets European Council President Herman
Van Rompuy in Brussels on Wednesday. |
Aryasinha made these observations when he paid a farewell call on
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy in Brussels on Wednesday.
The ambassador briefed President Van Rompuy on developments in the
previously conflict-affected areas in Sri Lanka.
He said many concerns expressed three years ago - relating to IDPs,
ex-combatants, de-mining and High Security Zones have been significantly
overcome.
A socio-economic and livelihood development programme supported by
infrastructure development last year alone resulted in a 22 percent
economic growth rate in the Northern Province, Aryasinha said.
The comprehensive LLRC report aimed at speeding up reconciliation was
delivered on schedule and the government is in the process of
operationalising its key recommendations, he said.
While appreciating the support towards these processes extended by
the various agencies of the EU, and President Van Rompuy's personal
encouragement towards Sri Lanka, first as Prime Minister of Belgium, and
later as the President of the European Council, Aryasinha said a number
of representative groups from the EU, including members of the European
Parliament, who had visited Sri Lanka in recent times had experienced
these developments first hand.
The ambassador said Sri Lanka is committed to remain engaged with the
EU and hoped that the EU's activities in Sri Lanka will further expand
in the arena of development cooperation, which would help further
consolidate development and reconciliation in the country, and serve as
an important confidence building measure in strengthening EU-Sri Lanka
relations.
While appreciating the EU's counter-terrorism action against the LTTE,
Aryasinha also urged the EU continue to remain vigilant concerning the
designs of the rump elements of this organisation and its fronts which
continue to be active in various manifestations in Europe.
Van Rompuy who recalled his earlier visit to Sri Lanka, observed that
he was happy to note these positive developments in Sri Lanka since the
ending of the conflict, and said the EU would continue to remain engaged
with Sri Lanka, as it had done in the past. |