Prof G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs who graced the inaugural sessions of the Defence Seminar - 2014 this morning (18) at Colombo Galadari Hotel as the Chief Guest, in his presentation to the forum on ‘Defining the Nation’s Success: a Critical Examination of the ascension of Sri Lanka,’ queried the wisdom of ill-treatment towards Sri Lanka by some foreign powers while exerting relentless pressure on her forward-march.
Explaining the series of positive and pragmatic measures that have been taken by the government after putting in place local mechanisms with the implementation of social and economic equity projects, enhancing credibility and the trust, being reposed in a society that has been affected continuously for near 30 years was as a result of bloodshed and violence, caused by the LTTE.
“It is a matter of profound regret that we look at some foreign powers who are targeting Sri Lanka without learning or seeing what we are today and our involvement and the trajectory for the future, to couple with our social and economic growth. Our critics conveniently say that physical development, alone is not adequate. But they always fail to see reconciliatory moves, set in motion in war-affected areas in correct perspectives,” Prof Peiris said.
“HE the President took the bold decision with political courage to have elections in the Northern Province after absence of 28 years. That gave the people the chance to use their franchise as they prefer, and now the Northern Provincial Council, like other provincial councils elsewhere, has sufficient authority to deliver to their people. Isn’t it a home-spun and home grown process? Those rudiments denigrate the public opinion and their cherished values and traditions,” Prof Peiris claimed.
“It is the constructing approach that is wanted, instead, what is forthcoming is the disincentive to engage in earnest in domestic process, by application of devolved power. All what they talk is 13th amendment. Other than Police powers, everything has already been devolved and such devolution has to go on,” Prof Peiris commented, saying that it is the people who would identify their needs and not the powers that dedicate terms to us.”
People believe that the hard-won victory in the country should be maintained and should not be allowed to be torpedoed by organizations with vested interests, he added.
“Our good Samaritans or do-gooders do not live up to our expectations and they simply forget that ours is a tradition-rich society. You can now see how Sri Lankans feel the sense of belongingness as the national anthem rends the air. We will therefore be alert to elements who are intent on doing harm to us with foreign funds, some of which are spent for the sake of so called ‘capacity-building’, etc.
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