Nimal says Sri Lanka is taking unique steps to expedite reconciliation

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the 126th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union that the Sri Lankan Government is taking unique and durable measures to expedite the reconciliation process at the end of a three decade long war.

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. The meeting is being held in Kampala city in Uganda.

He told the delegates that all Sri Lankans are now enjoying the benefits of peace after defeating the ruthless terrorists and assured that Sri Lanka will not allow the ugly head of terrorism to raise its head again.

He also noted that Sri Lanka has achieved significant progress in the field of education and human resources development. The entire index in this regard shows that Sri Lanka has gained a tremendous achievement in this respect, he added.

“While the Government is taking every possible step to speed up economic development and restore human rights and democracy after the end of the war, 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 incorrect and ill-willed campaign against Sri Lanka by this Diaspora.

“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.

Sri Lankan delegates Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody also participated in the IPU sessions in Kampala.