YouSaid · the spoken record

Mahinda Rajapaska

lines on the record: 28
first: 2011-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“The basis for that relentless pursuit is also questioned. It is my conviction that the United Nations system should be astute in ensuring the consistency of standards applied so that there is no room for suspicion of manipulation of the United Nations system by interested parties to fulfil their agendas. By nature, human beings have the capacity to achieve the most challenging and noble goals in life through strong commitment and dedication. I am confident that, by our own collective efforts, those results will prove to be beneficial to all humankind. As Buddha, the Enlightened One, said, “Atta hi attano natho” — “You are your own master.” Let those timeless words of wisdom guide the destiny of the world. May the Noble Triple Gem bless us all.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“A significant event in that regard was the opportunity that the people of Northern province enjoyed at the elections, held three days ago, to elect their representatives in the provincial council. It is a matter of legitimate satisfaction to me that this was made possible after the lapse of almost a quarter of a century. There can be no doubt regarding the crucial importance of that measure in the context of political empowerment and reconciliation. It is clearly the responsibility of the international community to assist with those efforts and to ensure their success for the benefit of all the people of Sri Lanka. In spite of the visible progress made and consistent engagement with United Nations mechanisms, many countries are surprised at the disproportionate emphasis on Sri Lanka and its unequal treatment in the multilateral framework.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Such initiatives bring suffering not only to those specifically targeted, but to a wide range of humankind without any justification. Yet again, I stand in support of the people of Cuba in overcoming economic hardships and in gaining full access to economic opportunity. Permit me to address briefly the post-conflict developments in my own country. I am proud that Sri Lanka has eradicated separatist terrorism spanning three decades and is in the process of addressing the issues of development and reconciliation. Sri Lanka’s Government, at all times responsive to the priorities reflected in public opinion, is engaged in all measures required for meaningful progress in those fields.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That engagement, to be complete in our time, must ensure the protection of the human race against the flagrant abuse of modern science in such forms as nuclear and chemical weapons. Deepening uncertainties in the Middle East are disturbing. We await the coexistence of Palestine and Israel on the basis of pre-1967 borders. Sri Lanka looks forward to welcoming Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations. We salute the people of Africa in their efforts to achieve better living conditions and economic prosperity. Sri Lanka continues to demonstrate solidarity with the African people in their pursuit of further socioeconomic growth. Unilateral measures, such as embargoes and economic sanctions imposed on countries, are disturbing.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is time to contemplate whether such movements have led to better stability in those countries or produced different results due to inappropriate external factors. In fact, the positive outcomes envisaged by those responsible have not come to pass, but indeed contributed to making those countries unstable. Do unilateral or group actions not erode the authority of the Security Council? That trend needs to be arrested, as it has now extended into areas where it is detrimental to the well- being of populations. The turmoil results from attempts to impose a type of democracy upon countries with significantly different cultures, values and history. The world needs no policing by a few States, particularly when the United Nations is mandated to ensure international security through multilateral engagement.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“A comprehensive structural reform of the existing imperfect global economic order needs to be fully addressed to reflect current realities. The world is in need of a fair international economic system to revitalize partnerships for development. That includes State and non-State actors and blue chip companies emerging as new partners. Moreover, South-South cooperation is crucial due to the shift in economic power and should be actively promoted to complement North-South cooperation. It is disturbing to observe the growing trend in the international arena of interference by some in the internal matters of developing countries in the guise of ensuring security and guarding human rights. Therefore, we continue to witness agitation the world over, leading to violence and forcing political change accompanied by turmoil.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Sri Lanka supports the establishment of a technology facilitation mechanism under the United Nations, recommended in the Secretary-General’s report (A/67/348). The mighty advocates of rights-based approaches should also honour their international commitments relating to development financing. Calls for reforms in the current international financial institutions continue to be relevant. Their ad hoc policies have proven to be untenable in the long run. It is imperative for the international monetary and financial institutions to give expression to the solid voice of the developing world. Also, those countries that are economically blessed must shed their practice of leveraging through those institutions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is therefore critical that developed countries honour their commitments and compensate for their damage to the environment on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities. The eradication of poverty must be the primary goal of the post-2015 development agenda and must promote accelerated economic growth in developing countries. Ensuring sustainable growth with social equity demands a balanced approach to development. High rates of investment, efforts to strengthen the quality of human capital and technology transfers are crucial for sustainable growth. The mechanisms on financing and technology mandated by Rio+20 need to be urgently implemented. The sustainable development financing strategy, in its formulation, must seek to provide for enhanced and predictable financial support to developing countries.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is of the utmost importance that Member States individually decide on their own means to achieve the MDGs. The unique sociocultural practices and traditions of countries should be taken into account when designing these processes. The post-2015 development agenda needs to be an intergovernmental process, in line with the outcomes and agreed principles of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Centuries of growth in advanced economies have left little carbon space for the developing world, thus challenging their growth. The thin line on which economic development and protection of the environment must be balanced will remain a great challenge in future development policy-setting.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Sri Lanka has mainstreamed the issue of youth in its post-2015 development agenda and is at the forefront of international efforts advocating the interests of youth. Sri Lanka will be hosting the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2013 in November and the United Nations World Conference on Youth in May 2014. I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all Member States to join in celebrating youth at the World Conference. I also call upon the United Nations to declare an international skills day as recognition of the way in which skills development for youth paves the way for reduced poverty. An innovative development has been the establishment of a Youth Parliament to sharpen the awareness of democracy and skills among the new generation and prepare them to assume leadership.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Absolute poverty in Sri Lanka declined to 6.5 per cent in 2012 from 15.2 per cent over a period of five years, surpassing the MDG mid-term target. The goal of universal primary education will be easily achieved by 2015. The key dividend from this strong educational infrastructure has been a drastic reduction in the unemployment level. Sri Lanka’s accomplishments in health care include an infant mortality rate of 9.4 per 1,000 live births, highlighted by UNICEF as a success story. Sri Lanka’s sense of pride in our early recognition of the crucial role women play in political and socioeconomic development is amply warranted, as we elected the world’s first female Prime Minister, the late Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Sri Lanka was ranked sixteenth in the Global Gender Gap Report 2010.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is fitting for the United Nations system to examine the causes of the failure in improving the lot of the deprived. In the context of Sri Lanka, my vision has been to distribute the benefits of growth across all segments of the population and to prevent inequalities, social exclusion and adverse environmental effects. The socioeconomic achievements in my country are the result of people-centric Government policies. Despite the fact that my country has had to contend with one of the most ruthless terrorist groups in the world, the 2004 tsunami and the global food, energy and financial crises, Sri Lanka’s attainment of the MDGs is exemplary. The statistics speak for themselves. Sri Lanka was ranked ninety-second out of 187 countries in the 2012 Human Development Index.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Reflecting on the work of the United Nations, we note that matters of a political nature have overridden the most basic issues that affect the underprivileged and marginalized who make up the majority of world society. The commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) brought about a real sense of optimism. The theme for this session is timely, as progress in the MDGs should be evaluated, with their deadline fast approaching. Appreciable progress has been made in the MDGs, although the results are uneven among and within countries. According to World Bank projections, by 2015 sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia will be home to approximately 40 per cent of the developing world’s population living in extreme poverty. This diminishes our sense of optimism.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“At the outset, I offer my condolences to the families whose loved ones died as a result of the terrorist attack on a shopping mall in Kenya. Having suffered many terrorist attacks over nearly three decades, we Sri Lankans condemn this cowardly act. The United Nations has consistently ensured cooperation among States and provided a universal platform for discussions on a range of issues, contentious or otherwise. It is imperative that we jealously protect and abide by the principle of equal treatment of countries that has been the very basis of this global Organization. Be it on economic or political issues, equality must form the bedrock of all international interactions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The disproportionate pollution of the environment by industrialized countries and the resultant impact on global warming and climate change cannot be remedied with any semblance of justice by imposing harsh restraints on developing countries, which have contributed very little to aggravate the problem. These circumstances heighten the importance of social equity at the international level. May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As I observed when inaugurating the fiftieth anniversary meeting of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization in Colombo three months ago, the dumping of commercial and industrial goods manufactured in developed countries imperils the economies of many Asian and African countries represented here. In conclusion, let me say that the use of substantial subsidies by treasuries and reserve banks to support agricultural production in the developed world, and other forms of protectionism, cause a serious distortion in the interplay of market forces and greatly reduce the ability of farmers in many developing countries to access international markets for their export products on an equitable basis.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“My country, as it comes out of the darkness of the past three decades into the light and promise of the future, must be afforded the time and space to seek its destiny in accordance with the wishes of its people. That is in keeping with the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the whole body of international law that governs us. A further consideration that the international community should take into account is the vulnerability of developing nations, and it should make provision by means of appropriate institutional arrangements for their protection.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“11-51185 16 As a result of these achievements, what we see in Sri Lanka today is a self-reliant nation with robust hopes for the future and a strong economy, strengthened by inward investment flows, unprecedented expansion of tourism, and significant growth in volume of international trade. With a view to consolidating these trends and leaving behind us the trauma of the past, we ask of the international community the hand of friendship and goodwill, based on an understanding of our nation’s determination to confront with courage the challenge of a new era in our history. We ask our friends in distant lands to drop preconceived notions. We strongly believe in home- grown solutions for them to be sustainable. It is clearly impractical to conceive of universal remedies for problems that afflict our societies.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is worthy of note that all these developments have taken place within the brief space of 30 months — an achievement all the more significant because of our strong emphasis on reconciliation. Important as economic development is, we have attached the highest priority to fostering the spirit of inclusivity and removing any remnants of bitterness from the hearts and minds of all our people. Over the past 30 months we have recruited 669 Tamil police officers, bringing the total number of Tamil officers to 1,143, while plans are afoot to recruit more this year and in the future. After more than two decades a census is being conducted in the Northern Province as part of the national census, to provide a firm basis for our initiatives.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The electoral process has been restored after decades, making possible the emergence of a democratic leadership. These are among our valued accomplishments. The remarkable growth of 22 per cent of the economy of the Northern Province is a clear indication of the success achieved by the Government’s initiatives with regard to development in that part of the country. The gross domestic product growth of the country has been consistent at 8 per cent, and unemployment is at a record low of 4.5 per cent. It is also worthy of mention that, in the assessment by the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report for 2011-2012, Sri Lanka shows dramatic improvement, moving up to fifty-second from their rank of seventy-ninth over a span of two years.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The resettlement of more than 95 per cent of the internally displaced persons, who constituted the largest number of civilians forcibly held by a terrorist group at any time, while continuing even today to clear the mines laid by terrorists in extensive areas, is an achievement of which we can be proud. Today in the Northern Province our armed forces are engaged in the development of the infrastructure that was destroyed by the terrorists during a period of three decades. Contrary to malicious propaganda the numbers of armed forces personnel present in the Northern Province has been kept at a minimal level. Revival of the economy has enhanced incomes and improved livelihoods. Ex-combatants and other cadres, after exposure to programmes of vocational training and counselling, have been reintegrated into society.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Today, after three decades of pain and anguish, Sri Lankans of all ethnicities, living in all parts of Sri Lanka, are free from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam terror and no longer live in a state of fear. However, I am deeply mindful that the battle for peace is every bit as important and difficult as the struggle against terror. After the eradication of terrorism, my Government turned its undivided attention to building anew the foundations of a unified and vibrant nation, drawing upon the inherent strengths of our country and in particular the unique calibre of our human potential. It is justifiable for us to be proud of our nation’s achievements during the brief span of the 30 months since the beginning of the post-conflict phase.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We need to have solid, practical action on the ground and send out our collective message on this issue loud and clear and universally. The interests of the developing world need to be protected in another significant respect. It is vitally important to insist that the structures and procedures of multilateral organizations should be uniform and consistent and devoid of discrimination. My country has reason for concern at approaches tainted by an unacceptable degree of selectivity, which we brought to the notice of such organizations in recent weeks. The developing world must keep a vigil against such irregular modalities, which should be resisted through our collective strength.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Recent experience the world over amply demonstrates that inconsistent standards and discriminatory approaches can unintentionally give a fresh lease of life to the forces of terror. An explicit and uniform response that refuses to recognize political shades of terrorism is required. Terrorism presents a threat from which not even the wealthiest and most powerful nations are immune. It must be remembered also that terrorist groups frequently operate under the guise of front organizations. Conferring legitimacy on such organizations has had the inevitable effect of providing comfort and encouragement to the merchants of terror. As the leader of a nation that has paid a heavy price because of terrorism over a quarter of a century, I underline that we must firmly resolve to rid the world of terrorism.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“While the clash of ideas, opinions and values continues, we have clearly to recognize that dialogue, deliberation and consensus offer the only viable means for resolving differences. The might of powerful nations cannot prevail against justice and fair play. In the troubled times in which we live we can derive guidance from the wise words of Gautama the Buddha, who advised the Lichchhavi Princes, whose energies were being consumed by bitter disputes among them, 15 11-51185 that the way forward consisted of meeting, discussing and departing in an atmosphere of amity and goodwill. That represents the essential spirit of the United Nations and is particularly relevant today. The most significant challenge to stability and progress in the modern world is posed by the menace of terrorism.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The need for sustained support for the countries of the African continent at this critical time is also worthy of mention. It is important to remind ourselves that every country cherishes the values, traditions and deeply held religious convictions it has nurtured over the centuries. They cannot be diluted or distorted under the guise of human rights by the imposition of attitudes or approaches that are characteristics of alien cultures. If that were to be done, it would amount to a violation of human rights in a fundamental sense. It must also be pointed out that, even where sanctions are imposed, extreme care has to be taken to ensure that the people at large, men, women and children yet to be born, are not harmed by such action. I would also express once again my solidarity with the people of Cuba and wish them all success.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At the heart of those changes is the need to protect the smaller countries in the developing world and to advance their interests vigorously. In the midst of uncertainty there are some things that must remain constant. They reflect our most cherished beliefs and convictions. Despite repeated references in this Assembly by many member countries to the right of the Palestinian people to a State of their own within secure borders, we still have not been able to make it a reality. It is a cause of profound disappointment that this has not yet happened. There is a window of opportunity now and we must make use of it before it is too late. It is time for decisive action rather than more discussion. That will be in the interest of the security and well-being of the entire region, including Israel.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser on his assumption of the presidency. I must also congratulate His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon warmly on his reappointment as Secretary-General and we look forward to working with him constructively. As we gather here today, it is appropriate to reflect on the values and ideals that inspire the United Nations system. One of the principal attributes is the spirit of flexibility, which has always been a feature of the United Nations. We must acknowledge the need for that spirit of openness and adaptability today more than at any other time. That is because the foundations of the world order are being transformed dramatically and fundamentally.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)