Public support vital to fight anti-Lanka campaigns - GL

Disna MUDALIGE

The unreserved support of the public is crucial for the government to counter and respond with supreme confidence to vicious campaigns launched by certain sections of diaspora in the international arena, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris said.

Addressing a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, the minister said it is incorrect to think that all challenges before the country ended with the defeat of LTTE.

He said knowing that the war is confined to the past, segments of the diaspora troubled by the defeat of terrorism, were trying to destabilise the Sri Lankan economy. Prof Peiris noted these groups wanted to discourage tourists visiting Sri Lanka, diminish investment and reduce the volume of international trade with Sri Lanka. He said in contrast, some segments of the diaspora were very keen in investing in the North and East areas to uplift living standards of people in the post war scenario.

The minister said the objectives of pro - LTTE groups among the diaspora are the same, even though their methods are different.

He said these groups possess a mammoth wealth and possess a highly effective communication network with latest technology.

The minister said their aim is to isolate Sri Lanka amidst the international community.

He said the present regime led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has the capacity and determination to face these challenges. The minister said the unprecedented support from the public will enable the government to speak aloud at any international platform, may it be Geneva, without even a slightest hesitation because the people have given a crystal clear verdict on the government.

He said the elections are a mirror of public opinion and a characteristic of democracy.

Prof Peiris observed that the forthcoming elections are the best means to defeat conspiracies and vicious campaigns against the country by groups within the international community.

He said the September 8 elections are very crucial to decide the country’s future.

He said the theme of the UPFA election campaign for the three Provincial Council elections was announced as Rata Ekata- Yamu Perata at a ceremony on Saturday in Polonnaruwa with the participation of senior politicians of the party. He noted the government’s future policies will encompass on this vision.

Professor Peiris observed the people have understood that their contribution must be given unconditionally to sustain the war victory and other achievements gained with supreme sacrifice and commitment. He said people appreciate the government for the balanced distribution of national assets and resources in a manner that people living in every part of the country obtain equal benefits from them. He said the greater proportion of these benefits were confined only to Colombo and adjoining suburbs in the past.

The minister noted the Provincial Councils need the support of the central government to obtain the dividends of peace.

Research and Technology Deputy Minister Faiszer Mustapha noted that coexistence and ethnic harmony must be promoted in the post -war scenario exploiting new opportunities in the country.

He said extremists of the country are often used by sections of international community to trigger disharmony to cater to their needs.