Sri Lanka will not be held back by threats, the President says

Sri Lanka will not be held back by threats, the President saysFri, Jan 1, 2010, 05:59 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.
Jan 01, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said the country will not be held back by threatened economic sanctions or withdrawn trade concessions imposed by outside forces when the people are moving towards a decisive stage in the country's political development.
Issuing a New Year's message today President Rajapaksa pledged to develop the country in the new decade into a regional hub for ocean and air traffic and a knowledge-based society.
"We shall build on the foundation already laid in the construction of harbors, airports, extensive road networks and the marked increase in IT literacy in Sri Lanka," he said.
The President took the opportunity on behalf of the nation to thank all service personnel who willingly made the supreme sacrifice and to their mothers, fathers, spouses and the children.
President Rajapaksa pledged to focus more on development and continue the massive projects the government had started amidst the fighting with the rebels.
He expressed hope that the government will be able to fulfill the aspirations of the people for progress and prosperity as a nation, and a land of peace and unity for the children.
"We look forward with a commitment to heal the wounds of the past and also resist the pressures from abroad that stand in our way in this great task; as we stood firm against uninvited interference in our efforts to defeat terrorism," he said.
The President, appreciating the countries that supported Sri Lanka during the crucial battle with the rebels, said that Sri Lanka is committed to strengthen and sustain the relationships with them.
"We remain committed to a strengthened and sustained friendship with the countries that supported us in full measure to defeat terrorism and bring peace to our people. Similarly, we shall foster and encourage good relations with those who recognize and respect our sovereignty and encourage us in ways to move on the path to peace and prosperity," he said.
Sri Lanka has been criticized by the Western governments and organization for its conduct during the final stages of the war against the Tamil Tiger rebels. The European Union has even recommended suspending the generalized system of preferences plus (GSP+) trade facility to Sri Lanka due to its alleged human right violations.