'Menik Farm closure a milestone'

Rasika SOMARATHNA

The closure of Menik Farm in September is a milestone in addressing the issue of displacement in Sri Lanka and is a significant step in the transition from conflict to sustainable peace and development, UN's Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka Dr. Subinay Nandy said yesterday.

He said so addressing a gathering of political leaders, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN staff and the academia at an event organized to mark the 67th UN Day at its office premises. Long term sustainable development of any country cannot be thought of or planned for, in the absence of long lasting peace or at least concerted efforts at bringing about peace.

The mutually reinforcing relationship between peace and sustainable development needs to be carefully nurtured by creating suitable conditions and showing resolute political commitment to policies that encourage peace and development, Nandy said before commenting on Menik Farm closure.

While stating that the relationship between the UN and Sri Lanka continues to thrive, Nandy said that as the country transitions from a conflict situation to peace and development UN support currently spans in both humanitarian and development spheres.

Under the humanitarian funding windows he said that that UN has mobilized nearly US$ 300 million since 2010 to support emergency operations in conflict, flood and drought affected.

From 2008 to end 2012, the UN supported the government through technical and financial assistance to a total value of approximately US$ 600 million, he said.

He noted that at the core of this support was a shared vision of wanting to empower and support the disadvantaged and the vulnerable groups in society.

Speaking on Sri Lanka's contribution to the UN system, Nandy said that the country has contributed much be it through the peace keeping force, Lankan citizens who have held high level posts or by its active participation in world conferences.