http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/04/07/news03.asp


SL taking unique steps to expedite reconciliation’

The government is taking unique and durable measures to expedite the
reconciliation process in the aftermath of the protracted conflict that impeded
the country’s progress for over 30 years, Irrigation and Water Resources
Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.
Minister Nimal Siripala
Addressing the 126th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union in
Kampala,Uganda on Wednesday, the minister said all communities are enjoying the
benefits of peace after defeating the ruthless separatist movement - the LTTE.
He assured that Sri Lanka will not allow terrorists to saw seeds of terrorism
in the Sri Lankan soil again.
The minister who is heading the government delegation explained in detail to
the participating parliamentary members about the efforts made by the government
under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to restore Sri Lanka’s
ethnic harmony and reconciliation.
“All Sri Lankans are now enjoying the benefits of peace dawned after
defeating the ruthless terrorism and assured that Sri Lanka will not allow to
raise the ugly head of terrorism again in this beautiful island in the Indian
ocean”, he stressed.
He also noted that Sri Lanka has achieved significant progress in the field
of education and human resources development. All the index in this regard show
that Sri Lanka has gained a tremendous achievement in this respect, he added.
The minister lamented about the vicious campaign launched by the LTTE rump to
discredit the country after the terrorists were wiped out from Sri Lanka. “While
the government is making every possible steps to speed up economic development,
restore human rights and democracy after the war’s end, the LTTE diaspora has
launched a campaign to discredit the government in the eyes of the international
community,” he said.
He urged the delegates not to be deceived by the misleading and malicious
campaign against Sri Lanka by the LTTE rump. “Instead, the international
community must extend its support to Sri Lanka to rebuild the country and help
our people to live in a free environment,” he said, adding that Sri Lankans have
suffered immensely for three decades due to terrorist activities of the LTTE.
Minister de Silva expressed that Sri Lanka has always been an active member
of the IPU and was ready to work with all the countries in a friendly manner.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda
Samarasinghe and Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody who participated in the IPU
sessions in Kampala.