Imperialists' shadows reappearing - PM

The dark shadows of the 1914-1936 period where imperialists tried to bring the rest of the world under their domain, seems to have re-appeared today as powerful nations are reported to be adopting a diplomatic strategy to bring forward another motion regarding Sri Lanka at the Geneva forum, said Prime Minister D M Jayaratne.

The Prime Minister said so when Sri Lanka's newly appointed ambassador to Bahrain R K M A Rajakaruna paid a courtesy call on him at his official residence.

The Prime Minister said all nations should honour and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one another as stated in the UN charter.

"However, certain powerful elements are trying to bring smaller countries under their wing for political or economic reasons," he said. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to extend diplomatic relations with a wide number of countries to bolster Sri Lanka's image abroad and safeguard its territorial integrity. This has proved the President's wisdom regarding diplomacy, the Prime Minister said.

Sri Lanka's new ambassador to Bahrain R K M A Rajakaruna said the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bahrain offered new hopes for the country's future. He said he will make use of his appointment to safeguard the rights of Sri Lankan expatiate workers employed in Bahrain, boost Sri Lanka's image and promote foreign investment in Sri Lanka. He recalled that when he served as Sri Lanka's Deputy High Commissioner in Madras, he was able to safeguard the rights of Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting India and reduce undue pressure exerted on them by certain sinister forces.