http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/26/news17.asp

 

Communal harmony helps defeat conspiracies - Kumarasiri Hettige

Secretary to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Kumarasiri Hettige said that if we fail to strengthen the reconciliation process with the country experiencing rapid development, we would be forced back into the dark age . Therefore, we should further strengthen peace and unity between the communities in our Motherland.

Secretary to the President on Parliamentary Affairs Kumarasiri Hettige unveiling the plaque to open the Sri Lanka Red Cross Ampara branch. Sri Lanka Red Cross Chairman Jagath Abesinghe, Sri Lanka Red Cross National Secretary Nimal Kumara, Deputy Director General Col Sudath Madugalla, Sri Lanka Red Cross Ampara District office Chairman Sunil Dissanayake, Medical Superintendent of Ampara Lanka Jayasinghe and Chief Representative of the International Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement in Sri Lanka Bob McRow were also present.

Hettige was speaking as the Chief Guest at a recent function to declare open the Ampara branch office of the Sri Lanka Red Cross.

He further said that if we harbour divisions among ourselves using various petty issues as an excuse, this would only serve the purpose of those conspiring against Sri Lanka.

Hettige said the Sri Lanka Red Cross helps the government by rendering a magnanimous service in providing relief and assistance to people in need. We should not forget how Sri Lankans,one and all stood shoulder to shoulder to provide relief to those affected during the 2004 tsunami disaster. President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was Prime Minister at that time played a leading role in coordinating the relief work.

“The Sri Lanka Red Cross has rendered a very important service to the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Indian government has also providing houses to the people who were displaced by the terrorist conflict in the North. The Sri Lanka Red Cross has initiated work to construct 20,000 houses on a request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“Some officials only think of their positions. They should go beyond that and think of the people who suffer. The government implements huge development projects for the good of the people. If noble selfless people can help the distressed families get back on their feet, it would be a worthwhile task which would spur social development. Voluntary services are very important for a country’s progress.

The Red Cross was founded by great humanist Henry Dunant.The war between France and Austria in 1859 had a great impact on Dunant’s way of thinking. That humanitarian concept developed into the Red Cross which operates in 188 countries today,” Hettige said