YouSaid · the spoken record

Mahinda Rajapaksa,

lines on the record: 79
first: 2006-09-24
most recent: 2014-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We have gained inspiration from the words of Gautama the Buddha who said that the purpose of all human endeavour must be to construct order out of chaos and harmony out of strife. True to these words of wisdom, the Government of Sri Lanka remains committed to its objective of pursuing the processes of reconciliation and nation building, undeterred by ill- motivated criticism.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I recall in this context the visit to Sri Lanka of the Secretary-General just a week after the conclusion of the conflict, when a new era of peace had dawned. That was a manifestation of the close cooperation between my country and the United Nations and our commitment to working together in the future. We continue on a deeply satisfying and transformative journey in the interests of all the people of Sri Lanka. In carrying out this task we work in accordance with our traditional foreign policy of friendship towards all and enmity towards none. We hope that the international community will reciprocate and assist Sri Lanka in its domestic process of reconciliation and economic development without exerting undue pressure on us.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Sri Lanka’s Nenasala Programme was awarded the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award as the best rural information technologyaccess programme in the world. With the end of terrorism in May 2009, in keeping with my responsibilities to my people, large-scale post- conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives were implemented in the north in a relatively short period of four years. Most importantly, democratic structures in the North have been re-established. Elections to the Northern Provincial Council were held in September 2013 after a lapse of 28 years, upholding the democratic tradition in Sri Lanka which has been consistently protected since 1931, the year we attained universal franchise.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That involved bold policy decisions connected with macroeconomic management, revitalization of agriculture, infrastructure development, including roads and expressways, ports and airports, irrigation and water distribution, a strong telecommunication network and well-distributed urban and township development resulting in 7.8 per cent gross domestic product growth this year and per capita income of $3,280 in 2013. It is also a matter of deep satisfaction to recognize that the economic and political empowerment of the people of the North, supported by massive investment in infrastructure and livelihoods, have also contributed to this growth. Sri Lanka’s information technology literacy grew steadily from a mere 3 per cent in 2005 to almost 50 per cent in 2014.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Sri Lanka expresses deep concern regarding unilateral economic measures against developing countries and is a consistent supporter of the call of the General Assembly for an end to the unjust economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Unilateral sanctions of this nature, which impact on a country’s innocent population, are unethical. Despite being affected by terrorism, Sri Lanka has achieved most Millennium Development Goals. Sri Lanka has succeeded in being ranked ahead of all South Asian countries in the 2013 Human Development Index. Through the adoption of the National Development Strategy — the Mahinda Chinthana, or Vision for the Future — the Government of Sri Lanka embarked on an inclusive and rural-centric development programme.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The international community must strengthen multilateral action on terrorism, including the early finalization and adoption of the United Nations Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Sri Lanka is also committed to supporting all multilateral efforts to counter terrorism financing, piracy and all forms of international organized crime. We wish to recall our appeal to the international community not to support terrorist groups in any way, either directly or indirectly. Sri Lanka expresses its concern regarding bombings that kill innocent civilians and even unborn children in many situations across the world.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Admiring the efforts of the people of Africa to achieve socioeconomic development, Sri Lanka has begun a process of reaching out to countries in Africa for an exchange of knowledge and expertise in areas of importance. The international community must strongly support the early eradication of deadly diseases in Africa. Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting all multilateral efforts to counter terrorism deriving from extreme ideologies impacting on people across national frontiers. Terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the security and stability of nations throughout the globe. Having suffered at the hands of terrorism, Sri Lanka knows well its drastic impact on societies, communities and institutions founded on democratic traditions and ideals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Concrete results in this regard should be achieved next year at least. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our times. A robust global response needs to be arrived at in 2015 on the basis of equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The increase in violence in the Middle East is deeply distressing. I reiterate Sri Lanka’s support for the early realization of a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, existing within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel. We look forward to welcoming Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations at the earliest. The international community must assist Palestine to rebuild the country. Sri Lanka firmly believes in the need for solidarity between Asia and Africa.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“If multilateralism is to remain relevant and effective, reform of the institutions concerned is essential. To be successful this process must involve de-politicization of the United Nations systems and mechanisms and they must stop being a hostage to different forms of funding. United Nations bodies must find ways to work with governments through dialogue, greater understanding of situations, and cooperation, including assistance to strengthen national institutions. This approach, instead of strong-arm tactics, must form the heart of multilateral diplomacy in the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges. The seventieth year of the United Nations in 2015 also marks the tenth anniversary of the 2005 World Summit where global leaders agreed to support early reform of the Security Council.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“External intervention without adequate consideration of the structures in a society and cultural traditions of countries where such intervention takes place, inevitably results in destabilization, which is very much in evidence today in most parts of the world. Post-conflict Sri Lanka has also become an unfortunate victim of ill-conceived agendas of some in the Human Rights Council who pay scant regard to the substantial progress achieved by Sri Lanka in reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation within a short span of five years. There is an obvious lack of balance and proportion in the manner in which my country is being targeted today, disregarding these significant achievements. That is in sharp contrast to the approach to deeply disturbing situations involving humanitarian emergencies elsewhere.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“However, in order to gain the confidence and good will of the international community as a whole, one of the essential requirements is consistency of standards across the board without any perception of selectivity or discrimination. It is in this context that the current functioning of the system needs examination in order to enhance its credibility. Human rights are used as a tool to implement motivated agendas with no understanding or appreciation of the complexity of issues in the countries concerned. Human rights should be recognized by all as a moral and ethical concept rather than as a political tool.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That is essential for countries in the South to access financial resources and technology that are essential for capacity building. It is vital that we also address structural obstacles and political barriers that prevented the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, such as unfair trade and investment rules. Creating a supportive international economic environment, enhanced investment flows, including from multilateral development banks, and an open multilateral trading regime, are important. The role of the United Nations in advancing international peace, security and prosperity is crucial in the contemporary world.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We hope that this goal will serve to enhance the voice and representation of developing countries in decision-making. The post-2015 agenda must focus on implementation. Achieving the sustainable development goals would be impossible without the political will and dedication of all countries. It must be ensured that the failure of the developed countries to fulfil Millennium Goal 8 that called for a global partnership for development is not repeated. In determining goals, countries must not be deprived of policy space to set their own domestic priorities. Instead of asking countries to reprioritize domestic spending, the focus should be on a strengthened partnership between developed and developing countries, backed by sincere commitment.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In November 2013 the Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed in Colombo to contribute to the process of evolving the new post-2015 global development agenda. They have endorsed the central focus on the eradication of extreme poverty and reaffirmed commitments to sustainable development. The perspective on the post- 2015 development agenda is based on shared values and principles contained in the Commonwealth Charter and individual experiences. The Commonwealth leaders encourage others to approach the forthcoming intergovernmental negotiations in a collaborative spirit to achieve a balanced post-2015 development agenda. Reducing inequality within and among countries is one of the most transformative goals that have been proposed by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I congratulate you, Sir, on being elected as the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. We wish you success and assure you of our fullest cooperation. The theme for this session “Delivering on and implementing a transformative post-2015 development agenda”, is timely. The world has undergone many changes since the United Nations was created, and since the year 2000 much progress has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. However, there are multiple challenges that still remain to be addressed. The moral and practical importance of creating an equitable world and a sustainable planet for this purpose cannot be ignored. The Commonwealth, of which Sri Lanka is the current Chair-in-Office, accounts for more than one-quarter of the United Nations membership.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The United Nations forms the bedrock of this interaction, and in that role it will always receive the support of Sri Lanka.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“10-54827 24 I also wish to urge with all the emphasis at my command the need for greater concern and involvement on the part of the international community to assist the people of Africa in their efforts to raise the quality of life on their continent. Leaders who have been chosen by their people often face difficult decisions. They must be entitled to the good will and confidence of the international community with regard to the heavy burdens they are required to shoulder. The results of their decisions must be evaluated objectively and they must be allowed to speak for themselves. That is not to say countries should operate in isolation. In this globally interdependent world, we must work together where we can and constructively counsel each other where appropriate.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is the fervent hope of the people of Sri Lanka that this most tragic of situations will be resolved without delay and in a sustainable manner. We also hope that Palestine will be a Member of the Organization by this time next year. Our guiding principle must always be that of mutual respect in international discourse, even as we disapprove of and condemn measures such as unilateral embargoes. Experience in the recent past amply demonstrates that these embargoes have an impact not on Governments, but rather on the most vulnerable sectors of the community. In the same spirit, I would call for the empathy of the international community towards the aspirations of the Cuban people.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The world as never before in the past has become severely vulnerable to natural disasters. Almost every day we see millions of people becoming victims of severe floods, landslides, volcanoes, cyclones, earthquakes and the like. It has become increasingly difficult for affected countries to manage post-disaster recovery programmes unassisted. The recent natural calamities in our region underline the crucial need for effective action in which there is collective participation to reduce human suffering. Without doubt, climate change and global warming are today issues which demand the urgent attention of all nations. Among the political issues that have continued to fester for too long is the continued denial of the right of the Palestinian people to a State of their own within recognized and secure borders.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We are at present strongly focusing on putting in place the necessary public infrastructure while strengthening the enabling policy environment for the private sector to invest even more in my country. In order to achieve the full realization of our potential, we desire a supportive external environment. To that end, we will always seek constructive engagement and partnerships. For our part, we will continue to contribute, as we have always done, to the cause of multilateralism and a principled global order. In this regard, I am happy to note that 2010 marks the fiftieth anniversary of our first contribution to a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Our armed forces and police are today combat-tested, with the capacity to carry out their duties in the most challenging of conditions.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“During the past five years, we saw our per capita income double. It is our ambition to take this further, to double yet again the present per capita income by 2016 and also to become one of the top 30 countries in which to do business by 2014. “Mahinda Chinthana — Vision for the Future”, my election manifesto, articulates my vision of having sound infrastructure at the national, provincial and rural levels, which is vital for the inclusive growth that will make development meaningful to the whole of society. I can also proudly claim that my country, through this economic strategy, is comfortably realizing the Millennium Development Goals well in advance of the target set by the United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We believe that for the rebuilding and healing of our nation to succeed, the process must evolve from within. If history has taught us one thing, it is that imposed external solutions breed resentment and ultimately fail. Ours, by contrast, is a home-grown process which reflects the culture and traditions of our people. We certainly welcome the support of the international community as we rebuild our land and our economy. We sincerely hope that its members will be prepared to take a practical approach to developing partnerships with Sri Lanka through international trade, investment and capacity- building. Our economy is well on the way to realizing the dividend of peace. We are experiencing steady and sustained growth, including during the last quarter, of over 8 per cent, moderate inflation and low interest rates.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“To the misguided few, I say do not allow yourselves to become an instrument of division, hate and violence, to be used as an enabler for hatred to be reborn in another form. Rather, come, let us join together and break the bonds of mistrust to rise to meet new horizons. Sri Lanka recognizes the challenges we face, among the greatest of which is healing the wounds of the recent past. To that end, earlier this year, a lessons learned and reconciliation commission was established, which gives full expression to the principles of accountability. This independent commission, comprising eight Sri Lankans of eminence and stature, has already begun its work. Recently, the commission handed over to me an interim communication recommending certain administrative steps that may need to be taken in the reconciliation process.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We have rebuilt the eastern province and have begun the same task in the north. Sri Lanka’s armed forces now have the role of delivering essential services, rebuilding homes, clearing mines and restoring vital infrastructure to whole tracts of formerly decimated land. Despite the lingering dangers that have remained, Sri Lanka has nevertheless repealed a substantial part of the emergency regulations that were so necessary during our conflict situation and plans to repeal a good part of the remainder in the coming months. 23 10-54827 A great deal has been said by those beyond our borders about our Tamil community. Let me be clear: no nation on Earth can wish Sri Lanka’s Tamil community more good fortune than Sri Lanka itself.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The entire focus of our nation is now on building a lasting peace, healing wounds, ensuring economic prosperity and guaranteeing the right of the whole nation to live in harmony. We are mindful that in order to fulfil these aspirations, economic development and political reconciliation must go hand in hand. Towards this end, constitutional changes which appropriately reflect the aspirations of our people will be evolved with the full participation of all stakeholders. We are pursuing a nationwide agenda of renewal. Sri Lanka has already returned over 90 per cent of the internally displaced persons to their original villages, which were previously riddled with landmines, and has provided the essential infrastructure necessary for them to resume normal life. We have helped bring back the vitality of youth to former child soldiers.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The asymmetrical nature of conflicts initiated by non-State actors gives rise to serious problems which need to be considered in earnest by the international community. As we close a sad chapter in our country’s history, I would like to remind the Assembly that we, along with many others, made repeated attempts to engage the LTTE in constructive dialogue. I still believe that dialogue is the best way to resolve any conflict. It is much to be regretted that all these attempts were rejected with reckless arrogance and contempt. It was in those circumstances that we were compelled to mount a humanitarian operation, with the blessing of many international friends, to neutralize acts of terrorism and restore peace and security.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Those who observed from afar and suggested that the Sri Lankan Government should have conceded to the demands of the terrorists need to be reminded that terror is terror, whatever mask it wears and however it is packaged. To all those, I say this: My responsibility is to the entire nation. My responsibility is to the lives of millions of men, women and children, and those yet to be born. My responsibility is to the peace and prosperity of the nation and the right to a peaceful life for all who live there. In this context, it is worth examining the capacity of current international humanitarian law to meet contemporary needs. It must be remembered that such law evolved essentially in response to conflicts waged by the forces of legally constituted States, and not terrorist groups.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The rapidly forgotten truth is that we had to face one of the most brutal, highly organized, well funded and most effective of terrorist organizations, one that could even spread its tentacles to other countries. Many of the atrocities of terrorism that the West has come to experience in recent times, the people of Sri Lanka were themselves the victims of for nearly 30 years, losing almost 100,000 lives, among them a President of Sri Lanka, a visionary leader of India and scores of intellectuals and politicians. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was an organization so brutal that even those it claimed to represent, the Tamil community of Sri Lanka, were as much victims of its terror as the rest of the population of our country.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is in this spirit that I address the Assembly at a crucial juncture in the history of my own country. In two months, I will be assuming office for my second term. My mandate will be very different from my last one. For my second term as President, my promise to my people is to deliver sustainable peace and prosperity to all and to ensure that terrorism will not be able to raise its ugly head again. In 2005, I was elected by my people on a promise to rid my country of the menace of terrorism. I say that Sri Lanka is now at peace: peace that was only a dream a few years ago. Over the past year, much has been reported and much has been said regarding my country’s liberation from terrorism. However, far less has been said of the suffering we had to undergo and the true nature of the enemy we have overcome.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I have great pleasure in congratulating His Excellency Mr. Joseph Deiss on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. I also take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session, His Excellency 10-54827 22 Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, for his effective stewardship of the General Assembly. That the United Nations is now in its sixty-fifth year serves to underline the durability of this Organization. It is an important mechanism in ensuring cooperation between States and a forum for discussion between sovereign nations. We must never underestimate the importance of this Organization, based as it is on the principle of equal treatment of countries big and small.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Only such determined and concerted actions will enable progress to be made towards the realization of the agreed development goals, including the MDGs, and frustrate elements that are bent on reversing the gains made. We must deeply commit ourselves as Members of the United Nations to forging a way forward from the limitations not seen by those who laid the foundations for this great institution of humankind. If we fail to do it now, future generations will curse us. I wish to conclude my address with a verse from the Dhammapada, words from the Enlightened One: “Victory breeds hatred, The defeated live in pain. Happily the calmed live, Having set victory and defeat aside.””
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Terrorism, as I have emphasized many a time, by its very nature, pushes back even our modest achievements. Another similar menace is threatening to devour our children, the most valuable asset of any nation. That is the insecurity of cyberspace which has not only helped corrupt the minds of our children but also exposes them to predators such as paedophiles, drug dealers and pornographic sites. Sri Lanka has banned pornographic and similar destructive sites from being available through Internet service providers. We are also controlling and restricting the use of mobile telephones for such damaging activities. That is an important area for world leaders to focus on. It is important that urgent and collective actions, both short- and long-term, are taken to stem those adverse trends.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The slowing down of global economic growth, financial turmoil and speculation, rising food and fuel prices and the impacts of climate change are clear obstacles. Also, sanctions imposed on the leaders of some countries, and on their leadership, based on their political role, following protests, are in fact, targeted at the innocent people of those countries. The steadily growing menace of international terrorism, with related activities such as the smuggling of illegal arms, human trafficking, drug trafficking, money-laundering, and business empires run by terrorist groups undoubtedly undermine the fundamentals of humanity and civilization. It appears that steps taken by us to eradicate such illegal activities have not been effective. This further complicates all national and international efforts at moving towards realizing the MDGs.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I do not think there is any country in the world where there is a Government that provides such humanitarian assistance to terrorists that attack it. Our Government considers the supply of humanitarian relief to its people as its prime responsibility. The complex situation in Sri Lanka needs to be addressed and resolved through an appropriate process of deterrent law-and-order action and patient political efforts of consensus-building. We have achieved the difficult but essential task of building peace in the Eastern Province and are confident that it can be done in the north as well. 08-51749 4 This session of the Assembly is a good time to take stock of progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) around the globe. It is regrettable to note, as we do so, that most are behind schedule.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In a world replete with examples of Governments and rebel groups using food as a weapon against civilian populations, the situation in Sri Lanka is one that deserves closer attention if not more publicity as an important precedent.” (E/CN.4/1994/44/Add.1, para. 67) The Government of Sri Lanka continues this humanitarian policy even today, although we know that the terrorists seize a good proportion of those humanitarian supplies. Our supplies are not confined to food; they extend to medicines and all other essentials as well as schools and hospitals, with teachers, doctors, nurses, and all other essential staff. That is not all; the Government also purchases the paddy and other foodstuffs produced in those areas.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Significantly, the restoration of democracy in the East of Sri Lanka was achieved in less than one year of it being freed from the clutches of terror. Our Government has also sought and received the cooperation of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other agencies to help us in providing humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other affected civilians. The Secretary-General’s Representative on IDPs, who visited Sri Lanka some years ago, said: “Sri Lanka presents the unusual situation of a central Government providing relief aid to persons under the control of the main opposition group.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Government has also made it clear that the elected Government cannot and will not permit the undermining of the territorial integrity of the sovereign United Nations Member State of Sri Lanka and the division of its territory. We are clear in this message. The Government’s objective is to enable the people to enjoy the benefits of democratic processes and to speed development activities in those areas where there is a heavy presence of terrorists. That would be similar to the fast-tracking of economic development taking place in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, where former terrorists now serve as democratically elected Provincial Councillors, and a former child soldier conscripted by the LTTE is now the elected Chief Minister, having abandoned terrorism and embraced democracy.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“All successive Governments of Sri Lanka have endeavoured to resolve the problem for over 25 years, including through Norwegian facilitation and international co-chairs overseeing a so-called peace process that was treated with contempt by the terrorists. On each occasion that talks were held seeking peace, the terrorists of the LTTE walked out on the flimsiest of pretexts and reverted to terrorism of the worst kind, indiscriminately targeting innocent civilians. Our Government will only be ready to talk to that illegal armed group when it is ready to commit itself to decommissioning its illicit weapons, dismantling its military capability and returning to the democratic fold.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Government has therefore declared its policy of engaging in dialogue and discussion with the democratic leadership of the Tamil community, a people who have lived in harmony with other Sri Lankans for centuries. Today, there are Tamil leaders holding responsible ministerial posts in my Government. A former Attorney-General of then Ceylon, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, a beloved Tamil politician, had this to say at a public meeting in Colombo in September 1904: “I have been to many countries in the world. But nowhere have I seen such a friendly race as the Sinhalese, who also uphold high moral values.” Such was the harmony between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. But a malicious group has turned all of this upside down.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the recent terrorist attack in Pakistan. Our Government has always been ready to address the causes of these issues and effectively implement political and constitutional solutions to 3 08-51749 meet the aspirations and respect the rights of all communities. What the Government would not and could not do is to let an illegal and armed terrorist group, the LTTE, hold a fraction of our population, a part of the Tamil community, hostage to such terror in the northern part of Sri Lanka and deny those people their democratic rights to dissent and free elections. Through our past actions, we have proved it.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Today, the United Nations and its peoples are confronted with the fast-spreading menace of terrorism, which manifests itself in various forms in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The United Nations has a grave responsibility to save today’s and succeeding generations from that new and continuing menace. We have been talking for long enough; it is time for clear action in that regard. Like many other countries, Sri Lanka has not been spared this global menace. Exploiting perceived ethnic grievances that must and can be addressed through political means, a well-organized terror group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), engages in blatant and brutal acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings, to seek negotiating leverage, political recognition and legitimacy.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“On climate change, SAARC leaders reiterated the need to redouble efforts within an expanded regional framework for environmental protection, conservation and justice. We stressed that we should contribute to restoring harmony with nature, a part of the heritage of South Asia. We humans have interfered with nature too much for too long. We must accept that the dangers of climate change are man-made and that its solutions, too, require man’s intervention. Since the promulgation of the Charter of the United Nations to save succeeding generations from the tragedy of war, at least the major threat of intercontinental war seems to have receded. However, the just struggle of the Palestinians for statehood continues.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“To that end, Sri Lanka’s own view is that the United Nations and its agencies must take leadership in developing a framework for international cooperation. We urge caution in the rush to use biofuels to break our dependence of fossil fuels. It has already been seen that the rush to biofuels has contributed to high food prices. Sri Lanka’s policy is that no arable land should be diverted or directed to the production of biofuels, however profitable that may be in the short term. It was propitious that Sri Lanka acted with courage and foresight over the last three years, without being cowed by many pressures, and thus did not confront any situation where our people had to face hunger or starvation.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Energy supplies must be diversified by developing advanced, cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective technologies for both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. We need to engage in energy conservation and accept the reality of dependence on fossil fuels for much longer. Equally obvious is the imperative of transferring new technology to the developing countries. In our own region, we will use increasing resources of human and scientific talent to produce our own technologies, making the best use of the natural resources, the sun, wind and the ocean, which we have in abundance, free of the restrictions of the marketplace. The demands of humanity can no longer be allowed to be at the mercy of speculative or captive markets.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As the current Chair of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), I have the honour to state that at the recent summit we affirmed our resolve as a region to make our own contribution to grapple with the food crisis and to make our region revive its historic critical role in food production by once again becoming a major granary of the world. We also decided on the immediate establishment and operationalization of the SAARC Food Bank. That mechanism, we believe, will help considerably to ensure both food and nutritional security for the people of South Asia. That initiative will contribute to the larger global efforts that we launched in Rome, in June this year, to avert and mitigate the impact of the food crisis. We must also find solutions to the energy crisis that are both equitable and pragmatic.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“No longer can we expect farmers in developing countries to be mainly producers for export markets. In that context, implementation of effective social safety nets remains a priority as reassurance and empowerment. That is why we have introduced social security measures such as the fertilizer and fisheries subsidies. The advice given by some powerful countries and powerful institutions are contrary to that. Yet it is necessary that we pay no heed to such advice and determine to do what is best for the innocent people of our countries.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Through a series of projects with regional impact, Sri Lanka will contribute to the goal of increasing food production, investing more in agriculture and research and sharing technologies and best practices. That is an integral part of the rural empowerment that is so essential in the developing world, as the vast majority of our people are rural based and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Achieving food security would require strengthening and revitalizing the agriculture sector. That calls for the empowerment of small- and medium-scale farmers through a series of measures. Those represent vital collective steps by all of us in the 08-51749 2 United Nations system. Sri Lanka sees self-sufficiency as the answer to overcoming the food crisis and giving strength to nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We will march towards a richer freedom and the lasting unity that await us as a nation. The theme of our debate — “The impact of the global food crisis on poverty and hunger in the world as well as the need to democratize the United Nations” — is indeed far-sighted. It focuses on one of the critical survival needs of humanity, as well as one of the key institutional needs of the world body. The global food crisis has become a frightening actuality and has the potential to assume even more dangerous proportions if we fail to take urgent and collective action. Similarly, a less democratic United Nations runs the risk of being less effective and less credible, while giving rise to major concerns about its legitimacy.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Sri Lanka congratulates the President on his election to this high office. We are confident that your guidance will enable the General Assembly to make progress on the important issues confronting humanity to make the work and role of the United Nations more relevant to the lives of billions of people. While my mother tongue is Sinhala, let me elaborate a few thoughts in Tamil. Sinhala and Tamil are the two languages of the people of Sri Lanka. Both have been used through the centuries, are rich in literature and are widely used in my country, with recognition as official languages. With the widening of democracy in our country, the bonds between the Sinhala and Tamil people of Sri Lanka will grow stronger and remain a major force for its future development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Accordingly, I appeal to the global community to make the sixty-second session the beginning of a new chapter, rather than just another session.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)