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."
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