Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa made these observations addressing the MOMEMTUM, synchronized professional forum as a special guest speaker at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo on Wednesday (Dec.17).
President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the event as the Chief Guest and also addressed the distinguished gathering during the session.
Organized by 'Professionals for a Stable Sri Lanka'; MOMENTUM, Asia's largest synchronized professional forum was held simultaneously at four locations in Colombo. The forum featured top professionals in business and social sectors, sharing their insight on the significance of stability on the business and economic landscape of Sri Lanka.
Speaking further elaborating on the situation prevailed under the peace process Secretary Defence recalled that, "within this territory the LTTE had its own police force, its own courts system, its own bank, and it directed the decisions of the civil administration". "The rest of Sri Lanka was also under its threat and paralysed by fear" he also said.
Recalling the past bomb blast incidents took place in significant places he said that, "those in the Tamil community suffered even more than most; they not only feared terrorist attacks but also feared a communal backlash whenever an LTTE attack took place".
While stating on unlawful criminal elements he went on to say that, strong institutions and good governance were mere far-fetched dreams as the ramifications of terrorism affected every aspect of our lives. Reiterating on the accomplished primary task of the President he mentioned that, "there is no doubt that the defeat of the LTTE and the dawn of peace in May 2009 was the pivotal event in Sri Lanka's recent history". By electing for the second term in office, the subsequent task entrusted to him by the people was to achieve the economic development, he added.
In achieving this succeeding task, President had to address a number of post conflict challenges such as resettlement, disarmament, rehabilitation rebuilding, demining, infrastructure restoration and national reconciliation, he also noted.
Further elaborating on creation of a macroeconomic environment conducive for development he said that, urban development has been greatly accelerated to create a better environment and enable a higher standard of living for the general public.
Meanwhile, clarifying on the external threats posing he said that, "there are still many threats that beset our nation and attempts continue to be made by various parties to undermine Sri Lanka's peace, security, stability, and sovereignty". The primary threat to our national security remains the re-emergence of terrorism since lot of support could be seen internationally for the LTTE and its Eelam enterprise, he also noted.
Making clear on the establishment of normalcy in North while reducing the troops he said that, "government has always maintained military camps in strategic areas which are of critical importance to the preservation of national security". Indicating cases occurred in very recently such as killing of Gopi he said that, such incidents demonstrate beyond any doubt that the threat of terrorist activities resuming in Sri Lanka remains a very real national security concern.
He emphasised that, United Nations Human Rights Council continues to keep Sri Lanka high on its agenda is in spite of all the efforts made by the Government through official publications to demonstrate that the Humanitarian Operation was conducted in accordance with international norms. Indicating 'Department of Census and Statistics' details he also stressed that, this has come despite the conclusive evidence put forward to show that mass killings did not take place.
Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal was also present at the event.
Illustrious Business Leaders such as Group Director of MAS Holdings Dian Gomes, Cargills Deputy Chairperson/CEO Ranjith Page, Jetwing Group Chairperson Hiran Cooray, and Chevron Lubricants Managing Director Kshu Gomas delivered keynote speeches during the session.
Subsequently, a panel discussion was also held featuring business and economic state of affairs in the country.
A large gathering of pioneering business personalities, intellectuals including distinguished invitees were present at the Asia's Largest Synchronized Forum.(kh)
