Closing remarks of the President’s Secretary Mr Lalith Weerathunga at the final day of the Army-organized ‘Defence Seminar - 2012’ at Colombo Galadari Hotel were largely centered on the government’s implementation of the LLRC (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission) recommendations.

Mr Weerathunga told the gathering that the Sri Lankan Government has already carried out many LLRC recommendations as incorporated in the National Plan of Action. Of all 285 recommendations, 33 main recommendations have been identified and basic implementation for the best interest of the country has already begun.

“This is a holistic and coordinated exercise with the involvement of so many factors and this forum provided a unique opportunity to be informed of post conflict developments in the country after three-decade of war. In fact, as my topic says, it’s a way forward after bitter experiences. People look at us with hope and expectations. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2010 spelt out that he would bring about a sustainable society for everyone to live with respect and dignity.

It was just a few weeks ago, President Rajapaksa assured the visiting former Indian President Mr Abdul Kalam that Sri Lanka will become a trilingual nation by the year 2021, rekindling hopes for a better future for the country, Mr Weerathunga pointed out.

Prior to his speech was Mr James Robinson of the US Asia Pacific Command who contributed to the sessions, highlighting his experiences in Afghanistan.

“Accountability of the military when addressing issues helps build public trust as protection of human rights is a core element of the military in those assignments. Sri Lanka provided an impetus in this direction and lessons learnt by US military forces have a vital role to play in creating necessary conditions,” Mr Robinson said.