The President said Asia is a vibrant and dynamic region and as the emerging global powerhouse, international focus on Asia is increasing, bringing a multitude of opportunities and challenges, from both within the region as well as from external sources.  For building peace and stability in a region, it is imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nations are secure he pointed out.

 

President Rajapaksa further said " self-interests at the core, some external entities, using the guise of democracy, have sought to interfere in the domestic affairs of countries, resulting in de-stabilizing these nations and thereby even those regions. 

 

"Creating domestic disharmony is their start point. We have witnessed the corrupt use of social media including the internet, to create domestic unrest and cybercrime. 

 

"Youth have been targeted, and they have become pawns of the misplaced agendas. These are dangerous trends that need to be arrested, and addressed, effectively through this forum. 

 

"In this regard, regular exchanges of information and strengthening contact and cooperation between the relevant authorities in the member states are necessary" said President Rajapaksa.

 

The President further addressing the Conference om "‘Measures to enhance mutual confidence between all parties’ said "My Government has successfully ushered in an era of peace, which has enabled all our people to benefit from the dividends, setting the country on the path to further economic prosperity. Sri Lanka today, has a wealth of experience to share in this regard at a forum such as CICA. 

 

"Regrettably, the eradication of terrorism in Sri Lanka, has now given rise to a punitive campaign being carried out by interested parties for their own ends. It is unfortunate that this campaign has introduced continuing obstacles. The need of the hour, however, is goodwill and solidarity to deal with the universal challenge to peace, stability and prosperity. 

 

"I am of the view that this forum can provide the right platform for CICA members to share their experiences and learn important lessons on countering terrorism, including the action for prevention by member states, of the activities of separatist and extremist organizations on their soil."