Thailand heading towards apex of development - Minister de Silva

Thailand is heading towards the apex of development day by day, making the optimum use of science and technology and literacy under the leadership of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Minister de Silva in his Vote of Thanks following Prime Minister Shinawatra's address to Parliament yesterday said: "The cordial relationship which has existed between our two countries for several centuries was further strengthened by your visit to Sri Lanka and your address to the people's representatives in this august assembly."

"An address by a foreign leader is a rare occasion in Sri Lanka's parliamentary tradition. In this regard we are very proud that you are among esteemed company. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher addressed this House in 1985. The Iron Lady as she was known to the world, Thatcher was the first foreign leader to address a formal session in the history of our Parliament. After that, it was your brother, Thakshin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand who had such an opportunity. That was in 2003. It is indeed a very significant coincidence and a great honour to the Sri Lankan Parliament that you have now become the third world leader to address this House," he said.

Minister de Silva added: " It is my understanding that you hail from a family dedicated to public service and the well being of the Thai people. I am told that your father was also a Member of Parliament with a proven track record of public service. This makes you no stranger to politics and to parliamentary traditions.

"Building on these strong foundations, Madam Prime Minister you have reached the highest levels of political office in Thailand. We in Sri Lanka admire your determination, political courage and leadership that has been enormously beneficial to the people of Thailand. You had the privilege to be the first Lady Prime Minister as well as the youngest Prime Minister of Thailand.

"Under your able leadership Thailand is heading towards the apex of development day by day, making the optimum use of science and technology and literacy. We highly appreciate the steps taken under your leadership to uplift the quality of life of the people of Thailand.

"I wish to recall that during the past three decades, women have rendered exceptional leadership to the people of our region. Sri Lanka too can boast of such exceptional leaders. The late Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world's first female Prime Minister following the assassination of her husband. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was the first female President of Sri Lanka. These two ladies were leaders of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party which I represent. You have joined the ranks of such outstanding women leaders from our region that also include Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Begum Khalida Shia and Sheikh Hasina."

He said the bilateral relations and the closeness between Sri Lanka and Thailand stretch as far back as the 5th century AD.

"It is said that this fact has been mentioned in a stone inscription found in central Thailand," Minister de Silva said.

"History refers to the fact that when Buddhism in Sri Lanka was deteriorating, Theravada Buddhism was re-established in the country by Bhikkus who arrived here from Thailand. It is significant that your visit to Sri Lanka coincides with the 260th anniversary of the establishment of the Siam Nikaya. We proudly refer to this historical event as the second Mahindagamana, or the second most important event in Buddhist history in the country after the religion was introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda in the 2nd century BC," he said.

Minister de Silva said: "The cordial relationship between our two countries has continued to grow through the centuries. The bilateral agreements signed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa having met you in 2012, have resulted in greater cooperation in the agriculture, fisheries and education sectors. These developments are extremely encouraging and would be an enormous source of assistance as Sri Lanka moves forward. It is with pleasure that we acknowledge Thailand as a vibrant partner in Sri Lanka's socio economic and cultural development lead by the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa which envisions making our country 'The Wonder of Asia.'

"On this occasion, I wish to recall with gratitude the cooperation and support extended by Thailand to Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2012 and 2013 having appreciated the hardships our country has gone through facing terrorism for last three decades and the ongoing reconciliation process. The cordial relationship which has existed between our two countries for several centuries was further strengthened by your visit to Sri Lanka and your address to the people's representatives in this august assembly.

"It is therefore my great pleasure to thank you for your inspiring address to this House. I have not the slightest doubt that under your able leadership the aspirations of the Thai people will be fulfilled and the friendship between our two countries will grow from strength to strength. May the blessings of the noble Triple Gem and the sacred Tooth Relic be with you and the people of Thailand."