High appreciation for Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met several high level dignitaries and briefed them about his government’s genuine desire to find a peaceful solution to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka. The leaders have expressed appreciation for the government’s firm commitment for peace despite many provocations and terror attacks.

Enroute to New York to attend the 61st UN General Assembly, President Rajapaksa stopped over in Jamaica, where he was received at the airport by Jamaican Prime Minister. Two leaders discussed bilateral and international issues during the meeting.

Immediately after the President’s arrival in New York, Mr Vito Fossella, Republican Congressman for New Jersey called on him. Mr Fossella expressed high appreciation for the firm commitment shown by the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for peace. He emphasized that the United States does not negotiate with terrorists, but he understood Sri Lanka's approach to resolving the conflict through negotiations.

The US Congressman expressed total understanding of Sri Lanka's approach to finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict. President Rajapaksa and Fossella discussed the commonalities of the terrorist challenges the two countries are faced with.

Mr Fossella said that he was impressed with the way Sri Lanka has set about re-building after the tsunami under the leadership of the President. President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked the US Congressman for the generous support extended to Sri Lanka after the tsunami disaster.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Secretary-General of the Peace Secretariat Dr Palitha Kohona and Permanent Reprsentative to the UN, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam were associated with the President at the discussion.

President Rajapaksa visited the New York Buddhist Vihara and paid floral homage. Chief monk Ven Kurunnegoda Piyatissa Thera and several other monks recited pirith to bless the President, the country and the Sri Lankan people. Ven Piyatissa Thera presented a copy of a book written by him, titled ‘Samma Sambudu Guna Mahima’ to the President. Ven Piyatissa Thera pointed out that President Rajapaksa was the first Sri Lankan head of the state to visit the New York Buddhist temple.

President Rajapaksa explained that since he was elected President by the people of Sri Lanka, the LTTE has launched attacks on the military and civilian targets. The government has faced these with tremendous restraint and patience. However, the government was compelled to launch defensive and deterrent action to safeguard the territory and people.

President pointed out that the international community has praised the government’s dedication and commitment to find a peaceful solution.