In conducting military operations to eliminate terrorism, the Government’s primary concern was to safeguard the innocent civilians, many of whom had experienced multiple displacements over the years, and had their children forcibly conscripted by the LTTE to be used as cannon fodder. Many of them had lost one or more of their family members. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama made these observations, while addressing the final day session of the 8th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore today (31 May 2009).

With the defeat of terrorism, the time is opportune to enhance relations between Sri Lanka and Poland observed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama when Prof. Piotr Klodkowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland paid a courtesy call on the Minister last Tuesday (26 May 2009) following his presentation of credentials to H.E. the President earlier in the day. The Minister pointed out that Poland must reflect on the present Sri Lankan agenda which could be enhanced through economic diplomacy and in this context outlined the need for working towards developing the tea trade, tourism and the technological field especially in IT. Further, the Minister stated that Poland could cooperate with Sri Lanka in providing facilities to the IDPs for which the government was following an action plan.

At the invitation of the H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to Sri Lanka.  During the course of his visit, he held talks with the President, Foreign Minister as well as other senior leaders of Sri Lanka.    During his stay, he also consulted other relevant stakeholders, members of the international humanitarian agencies and civil society.  The Secretary-General visited the IDP sites at Vavuniya and overflew the conflict area, near Mullaitivu that was the scene of the conflict.

Address by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the ceremonial opening of Parliament, Sri Jayawardhanapura – Kotte ,May 19, 2009

I declare open this fourth session of Parliament at a time the people of our country, as well as the entire world are celebrating a great victory.

I address this session of Parliament at the historic occasion when the hopes and expectations of the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, Malay and all people of our country for several decades, to see a Sri Lanka that is free of murderous terrorism, have been realized.