Sri Lanka today is one of the most secure and stable countries in the entire world-Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapakse

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 24th November delivered  the key note speech at the Inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation: "The Way Forward for Post Conflict Sri Lanka" said "Sri Lanka today is not only one of the most secure and stable countries in Asia but in the entire world."

The full text of the speech:

I am grateful to the Honourable G. L. Pieris, Minister of External Affairs, for having invited me to deliver the keynote address at the inaugural National Conference on Reconciliation, hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies. The late Honourable Lakshman Kadirgamar was a great servant of this nation, whose determined and selfless contributions to Sri Lanka were tragically cut short by an LTTE sniper in August 2005. During his life, Mr. Kadirgamar strongly believed that "People who live in Sri Lanka are first and foremost Sri Lankans". As this country builds its future on the foundation of peace resulting from the defeat of terrorism, these are words for us all to remember.

Thanks Giving - Touch of Sri Lanka at a New York Thanksgiving

The aroma of curried turkey wafted around the residence of the Sri Lankan ambassador to the United Nations as Dr Palitha Kohona entertained guests to lunch on Thanksgiving day. Among the guests were H.E. Sun Guoxiang (Consul General of China in New York) and Mrs Wang Min, Professor Surendra Kaushik, DPR Ambassador General Shavendra Silva, Drs Anura and Trika Rajapaksa, Painter Mr Stephano and Mrs Losi, Mr Sunil Herath, and Ms Anna Marie Salomaa of Finland. The aroma of the spiced up turkey, which was a novel break from tradition, is sure to linger in the memories of the guests for some time.