Many foreign governments acknowledge:

Sri Lanka, safe to live -GL

Sandasen MARASINGHE, Irangika RANGE and Disna MUDALIGE

Foreign countries have begun to acknowledge that Sri Lanka is safe to live and have begun sending back people who illegally migrated to these countries, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris told Parliament yesterday.

“Countries like Britain and Switzerland are happy and convinced that the country is safe,” he said.

Being convinced that there is peace and political stability here, many countries have begun sending back Sri Lankans who had gone to their countries for safety, the minister told the House.

He also told Parliament that appeals by those seeking asylum in those countries have been rejected as peace and stability prevail in Sri Lanka.

“Many governments appreciate the political stability of the country. It not only benefits our country,but, also has a positive bearing on many of Sri Lanka’s neighbours,” he said.

"The Australian Government has commended Sri Lanka Navy for its role in curbing illegal migration. The Australian Government has announced that it will send back Sri Lankans who entered the country illegally. If they do not think Sri Lanka is safe and peaceful, they would not do so. No doubt, these people are economic refugees," the Minister said.

Minister Peiris further said in Parliament: This budget was presented to cater to the new opportunities available in the country, in a context of peace and political stability.

"We have concentrated on simplifying our tax structure and reducing the number of taxes. This is essential to attract more foreign investments. Our endeavour to simplify the tax structure has been appreciated by the international community. Moreover, the development of infrastructure facilities and renovation of roads and electricity expansion in the country have helped towards bringing in more foreign investment. Many foreign governments appreciate the political stability in the country.

"Shangri-La is a massive investment in our country. It is one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world. It is now recruiting Sri Lankans as employees and giving an internationally recognised training to them. Shangri-La is coming here because they think there are profits to make from their investment, and it is obviously not the only investor coming to the country.

Sri Lanka's relations with the Arabic world, which has a long history, have been revitalized and strengthened. There were four Gulf countries at the UNHRC Session and three of them, despite their international political alignments, strongly supported us and actually even canvassed on behalf of us.

"We had so far neglected West Africa. We are now rectifying these mistakes. We also have very close affinity with some island nations , like the Seychelles and Madagascar which pursue blue economies.

"It is also equally important to arrange regional relations. Our volume of trade in the SAARC region must be improved. Our relations with India are very sound and when I say so, I really mean it. People to people contacts between the two countries are also flourishing. The bringing down of Kapilawastu relics was one fine example for people to people contacts. The goodwill and understanding between Sri Lanka and India is very high." the Minister said.

The relationship between Sri Lanka and China have also further improved with the recent visits of a Chinese delegation to Sri Lanka.

Our relations with the Russian Federation is also growing. " I will further explain the matters connected to our foreign policy when the expenditure head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry is taken up," the Minister said.