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President Ranil Wickremesinghe calls for unified action to safeguard the Indian Ocean
President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his address at the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, focusing on the theme “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean, ” emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, noting the Indian Ocean’s vulnerability to warming and rising sea levels. He proposed initiatives such as the Tropical Belt Initiative and the International Climate Change University to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure climate justice for vulnerable countries.
Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe;
“It is a great pleasure to be here in Perth for the 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference. I thank the Australian Government, for the hospitality afforded to all of us. I also thank the India Foundation for once again bringing us together. The theme of this Conference – “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean”- could not be timelier and more appropriate.
The Australasian continent is unique in that it has borders with both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Oceans. Perth played a crucial role in the history of Sri Lanka – Australia relations. During World War II, Royal Canadian Air Force, Catalina Flying Boats, traversed the expanse of the Indian Ocean, connecting Perth with Koggala Air Base in Ceylon. The only air link between the Indian sub-continent and Australia. Known as flights of the double sunrise, they operated a non-stop route upto 32 hours in radio silence, to ensure the success of a critical air route during World War II for the Allies.
The Japanese attacks in April 1942 on the Indian Ocean specially Ceylon was described by Churchill as the most dangerous moment of the war highlighting the importance of the Indian Ocean to the British Empire. I was just talking with Dr. Balakrishnan and he said there were no carrier battles in the Indian Ocean for the simple reason that the Japanese sank the only British carrier.
Let me highlight a few important developments which I hope will make a contribution to your deliberations.
Firstly, historically speaking, the Indian Ocean is multipolar and has resisted domination by a single power. This multipolarity is a reflection of the essence of the Indian Ocean region and its people. As Asia emerged from colonialism the newly independent countries of Asia ie. Ceylon, India, Indonesia, Burma and Pakistan convened the Bandung Conference in 1955 to oppose colonialism in all its forms. The conference declaration to oppose big power rivalry in turn led to the Non Aligned Movement. Since then the Indian Ocean region has been influenced by the spirit of Bandung. It has never became a part of the US Hub and Spoke system.
The past two decades has seen the emergence of diverse framings of the Indian Ocean region and a flurry of diplomatic activity articulating various policy positions, tilts, and frameworks. What is clear is that no single, objective geopolitical construct has emerged, and we are left instead with a contested vision with multiple interpretations.
The key frameworks that have emerged include in addition to IORA, the Indo-Pacific, the BRI, the QUAD, and the BRICS. There are also regional organizations including ASEAN, ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum), ACD (Asia Cooperation Dialogue) BIMSTEC, SAARC, GCC, Arab League, OIC, SADC, EAC and SCO that have been established. Additionally, we have the operational arrangements that deal with specific areas of cooperation including RCEP, IONS, the Djibouti Code of Conduct, IOTC, Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), MASE, four regional Information Fusion Centres (Singapore, India, Seychelles and Madagascar), and the CGPCS (Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia).
Along with these frameworks and groupings, we also see an increased militarization of the Indian Ocean which is redefining power balances and alliances. In the maritime space we see a building up in naval capabilities in India, and with USA, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China all increasing their naval presence significantly. Therefore, balancing between the great power rivalries is becoming an increasingly more complex task. As a result, the space for manoeuvrability for littoral states is shrinking fast as this rivalry in the Indian Ocean region intensifies and spills over into decision making on political, economic and security issues. The proverbial question to choose one over the other is perennially hanging over us.
Secondly, the geopolitical developments have resulted in an increase in the strategic importance of the Western Indian Ocean that was not foreseen four years ago. This in turn is shifting the geopolitical emphasis towards the Indian Ocean. The Ukrainian war, and the consequent Western sanctions on Russia has resulted in the resource rich economy finding new markets in China and the Western Indian Ocean. For e.g. Russian Crude Oil is refined in the Gulf refineries. Dubai has replaced London as the financial centre for the oligarchs. Russia has developed a closer friendship with Iran, which is an important source of supply for drones. Russia is carrying on naval exercises with Indian Ocean countries, including Myanmar and South Africa.
China itself has played an active role in healing the rift between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran and its allies have become important players in West Asia. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, with India, Pakistan and Iran as members have the Western Indian Ocean as its outer limits.
The ill-advised judgment of the US in supporting the Gaza war will diminish its influence in the region. The hostility of the countries forming the Islamic Arch in the Indian Ocean will prevent any close rapprochement with the US for some time. The Russian, Chinese and Iranian strategies are successfully biting at the US hegemony thereby further weakening the US. The Indian Ocean stability requires an early end to the Gaza war followed by,
a. the establishment within 5 years of an Independent Palestine State and
b. guarantees for the security of the state of Israel.
Thirdly, the recent attacks on commercial vessels by the Yemen-based Houthi rebels, is a challenge to the ‘Freedom of Navigation’. We have to ensure access and mobility in the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. In addition, we also face the threat of Somali Pirates, once again. The safety of undersea cables and critical infrastructure are also facing additional threats. The presence of drugs in the Indian Ocean and Human Smuggling has increased. IUU fishing still takes place. These threats present challenges to the Freedom of Navigation. We need to refocus on the freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka offers to recommence the discussions on the Freedom of Nation in the Indian Ocean.
Fourth, is expanding connectivity. According to estimates there will be an eight-fold increase in the GDP of India and Indonesia by 2050. Similar increases are expected in some of the other countries in South and West Asia. This requires additional port capacities and new transport routes. The Suez Canal may not be sufficient. In this regard India’s two new connectivity initiatives are welcome. Firstly, the India (Mumbai) – Iran – Russia corridor and secondly the India (Mumbai) – Middle East – Europe corridor. Similarly, there are connectivity initiatives taking place in the Bay of Bengal. Work has already commenced on the Chongqing – Kyaukphyu corridor giving access to Western China. Thailand is planning the Kra land bridge connecting the Gulf of Siam with the Bay of Bengal. India and Sri Lanka are commencing feasibility studies on land connectivity between the two countries making Sri Lanka a Regional Logistics Hub with Colombo and Trincomalee ports available to South India.
The Indian Ocean Conference theme this year “Towards a more stable and sustainable Indian Ocean” highlights the two key areas which require our focus. What I have outlined before, dealt primarily with pursuing stability of the region. There is an equally serious, more immediate and existential threat that looms and that is the Climate Crisis.
Experts have revealed that the Indian Ocean is warming at a higher rate than the other oceans around the world. The levels of warming are estimated to be three times higher than in the Pacific Ocean and coastal areas across the IOR will experience continuous rise in sea levels and face severe coastal erosion. The Indian Ocean is also rising at a level of 3.7 millimetres annually and extreme sea disasters are inevitable. The island states of the IOR are vulnerable and have to be provided with adequate resources to mitigate the effects of climate change. Changes at sea also affect monsoon patterns and in turn impact on agriculture and food security across the Indian Ocean region. They also impact on the biodiversity and in turn on food and livelihood of people of the littoral states.
The Indian Ocean presents opportunities in terms of ecology. Not only is it our biggest sink for Carbon, but it also provides potential for mitigating the climate crisis, through offshore wind, solar, and wave energy. Through seaweed farming and mangrove cultivation we can increase the sequestration of Carbon. Sustainable exploitation of our Ocean’s resources is critical for our survival, as the Ocean provides for our future.
At COP 28 Sri Lanka proposed three key initiatives, (1) the Tropical Belt Initiative, including the Indian Ocean (2) The International Climate Change University and the Climate Justice Forum. As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Sri Lanka is focusing on the interdependence between the Indian Ocean and climate change. The Climate Justice Forum aims to accelerate financing of losses and damages and includes debt justice as an essential component of the overall solution. Any proposals for mitigation and adaptation interventions must take into account the debt component faced by Climate-vulnerable and developing countries.
We are living in uncertain times. The stability we had taken for granted since the end of WWII and the Cold War is unravelling. Globalisation is being challenged as is multilateralism. The Climate Crisis is affecting prospects for trade and economic development around the world. It is impacting on food security, livelihoods, supply chains, biodiversity and maritime transportation. Either we can wait for global developments to dictate our fate or unite, so that we may chart our own course.
Creating a safer ocean environment by building confidence and predictability among users and enhancing ocean situational awareness will be key to maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean. The main platform that can undertake this important task is the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Ensuring a peaceful and secure Indian Ocean would facilitate sustainable use of oceans for the economic and social benefit of coastal and littoral states.
An overarching architecture for the Indian Ocean that deals with critical issues is required. The basis for such a structure is already in existence including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) and the recently adopted BBNJ agreement in 2023 on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction or the High Seas Treaty.
A Code of Conduct on freedom of navigation and over flight and unimpeded commerce and similar guiding principles on dealing with the climate crisis and the sustainable use of the Indian Ocean are a necessity. Only the leaders of the IORA countries can ensure that these measures are translated to the creation of an overarching regional architecture for the Indian Ocean region. Therefore the responsibility lies with us.
I thank you.”
People living close to the epicentre of a deadly Ebola outbreak have told the BBC of their fear, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned cases may be spreading faster than originally thought.
One man in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s northeastern Ituri province said infected people were dying “very fast”, adding: “Ebola has tortured us.”
The virus is believed to have killed 136 people in the DR Congo, officials say, with more than 514 cases now suspected in the country. One person has died in neighbouring Uganda.
The WHO’s Dr Anne Ancia told the BBC that the more the UN agency investigates the outbreak, the clearer it becomes cases have spread to other areas.
Modelling by the London-based MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis released on Monday suggested there had been “substantial” under-detection, and that it could not rule out there had already been more than 1,000 cases.
The study suggested that the current outbreak is “larger than currently ascertained” and that its “true magnitude remains uncertain”.
A man who spoke to BBC News and identified himself as Bigboy said people are “really scared” and doing what they can to protect themselves.
He said locals are taking precautions such as washing hands with clean water, but added that he wished they could get access to other protective supplies such as face masks.
Another Ituri local, Alfred Giza, said people in the community are aware of the threat and waiting to receive face masks to protect themselves, but that he would not know what to do if a family member or friend contracted the disease.
The Red Cross warned that Ebola can escalate quickly if cases are not identified early, communities lack information and health systems are overwhelmed, adding “we are seeing all those conditions” in the current outbreak.
On Tuesday, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi called for “calm” and urged Congolese citizens to remain vigilant, after holding a crisis meeting on Monday evening.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who declared the outbreak an international emergency last week, said he was “deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic”.
He declared the emergency late on Saturday night – before the WHO’s emergency committee met to assess the situation and recommend priority medical interventions, which it is due to do soon.
The cash-strapped organisation has already released almost $4m (£3m) to combat the outbreak – but much more may be needed.
The outbreak is taking place in a region which has suffered years of conflict, with hospitals and clinics damaged or destroyed, and millions fleeing their homes. Most are living in unsanitary conditions.
There are also more than 11,000 refugees who have fled fighting in South Sudan, and big population movements among people seeking work in local gold mines.
It is feared the outbreak may have been ongoing for several weeks before it was first detected on 24 April.
There is no vaccine for the strain of Ebola virus fuelling the latest rise in cases, but the WHO is evaluating whether other drugs may provide protection.
Speaking to BBC Newsday, Ancia said DR Congo’s Ituri province was a “very unsecured area with lots of movement of population”, making it difficult for the agency to investigate and help control the disease.
She continued: “The more we are investigating this outbreak, the more we realise that it has already disseminated at least a little bit across border and also in other provinces.”
The outbreak has spread to the province of South Kivu, where the population has been affected by a humanitarian crisis for many years, she added.
There has also been a case in eastern DR Congo’s biggest city, Goma, which has a population of around 850,000 people and is under the control of Rwandan-backed rebels.
High levels of insecurity in several provinces mean people move around often, increasing the risk and spread of the virus, she said.
Several African countries are taking precautions by tightening border screenings and preparing health facilities. Neighbouring Rwanda has also closed its borders with the DR Congo. Uganda has told people to avoid hugging and shaking hands.
An American citizen, belived to be missionary group doctor Peter Stafford, was evacuated from the DR Congo after developing symptoms over the weekend.
Germany’s health ministry told the BBC a US citizen was taken to the country for treatment.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at least six other Americans who were exposed were also being evacuated. On Tuesday, the agency said it was in the process of moving the Americans to Germany and the Czech Republic, where they would be monitored for symptoms in quarantine.
The WHO and other agencies are working with governments and communities to try to stop the spread of the virus, urging residents to follow preventative measures and report to the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms.
What is Ebola and how does it spread?
Ebola is caused by a virus and initially causes symptoms similar to the flu, with fever, headache and tiredness.
As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and it can lead to organ failure. Some, but not all, patients develop internal and external bleeding.
The virus spreads from one person to another by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit.
The Bundibugyo strain fuelling this rise in cases is rare, and has previously only caused two outbreaks, when it killed about a third of those infected.
Between 2014 and 2016, more than 28,600 people were infected by Ebola in West Africa, the largest outbreak of the virus since its discovery in 1976.
It was caused by the Zaire strain, for which there is an approved vaccine.
The disease spread to a number of countries in West Africa and beyond, including Guinea, Sierra Leone, the US, UK and Italy, killing 11,325 people.
[BBC]
No Riyan Parag? No Ravindra Jadeja? No fast start for Vaibhav Sooriyavanshi? No problem for Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they hunted down 221 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and moved up to No.4 on the points table. If RR also win their final league game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, they will firm up their playoffs spot, irrespective of other results.
In RR’s chase of 221, Sooryavanshi got off to an unusually slow start – he was on 11 off 12 balls at one point. After watching his opening partner and RR stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal dominate the powerplay, Sooryavanshi cranked up to top gear when he lined up left-arm seamer Akash Singh for two sixes and three fours in the ninth over. He then went on a more familiar six-hitting spree and by the time he was dismissed for 93 off 38 balls in the 14th over, he extended his sixes tally in IPL 2026 to 53. Only Chris Gayle has smashed more sixes in an IPL season, back in 2012 when Sooryavanshi was a year old.
Dhruv Jurel sealed the chase for RR with a calm fifty in the company of Donnovan Ferreira.
Jofra Archer ran in hard and hit the Jaipur deck harder, but even his extreme pace and bounce wasn’t going to bother Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, the Western Australia boys. In the first over, Marsh advanced down the track, manufactured swinging room and flayed Archer for a four and a six over the covers.
Inglis was more fluent square of the wicket or behind square. He scooped Archer over short fine leg for four in the third over and by the end of the powerplay, LSG racked up 83 for 0. Four of LSG’s top-five powerplay scores in the IPL have come in this season. RR’s attack, meanwhile, went wicketless in the powerplay for a fourth successive game.
Wristspinner Yash Raj Punja bowled the first boundary-less over in the first innings. In the 13th over, he conceded only seven runs to go with the wicket of Nicholas Pooran (16). That over triggered a passage of play where LSG went 22 without a boundary. Earlier, he had stopped LSG’s opening stand at 109 in the ninth over when he tossed up a wrong’un on an in-between length and bowled Inglis for 60 off 29 balls. Punja returned figures of 4-0-35-2, demonstrating why RR trusted him and promoted him into their main squad after he was a net bowler with the side in the previous season.
Marsh brought up his fifty off 25 balls, but could manage only 43 off his last 32 balls on the day. The lack of pace from Punja, Sandeep Sharma and Dasun Shanaka slowed him down. “To be honest, felt like torture out there,” Marsh summed up the back-end of his innings. He suggested that he may have left a few boundaries out there.
Marsh, Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni all departed in the final over of the innings, bowled by Archer, which cost RR only five runs.
RR came out swinging in the powerplay in the chase, but it was Jaiswal, and not Sooryavanshi, who was doing most of the swinging during that phase. He was responsible for 39 of the 71 runs RR scored in the powerplay. Jaiswal latched onto anything that was remotely wide of off. His four fours off Akash in a 23-run first over, bowled by Akash, set the tone for the chase.
By the end of the powerplay, Sooryavanshi was on 25 off 16 balls, which was measured by his standards. All of 15, he had the maturity that he could catch up on a pitch where the ball came onto the bat nicely. He reached his half-century off 23 balls with a reverse-sweep and threatened to convert it into a century until Mohsin Khan stopped him. He finished with a strike rate of almost 245.
Prince Yadav, who had earned a call-up to India’s ODI squad earlier in the day, was pumped for back-to-back sixes. The other Yadav – Mayank – wasn’t spared either, with the teenage phenom launching him for back-to-back sixes in the next over.
Sooryavanshi holed out while attempting his 11th six, but by then he had snatched the Orange Cap from Marsh. Jurel then anchored the chase while Ferreira applied the finishing touches.
Brief scores:
Rajasthan Royals 225 for 3 in 19.1 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 43, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 93, Dhruv Jurel 53*, Donovan Fereira 16*; Akash Singh 1-54, Mohsin Khan 1-31) beat Lucknow Super Giants 220 for 5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 96, Josh Inglis 60, Nicholas Pooran 16, Rishabh Pant 35; Jofra Archer 1-39, Yash Raj Punja 2-35) by seven wickets
[Cricinfo]
Latest News
17th National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration held with pride under the patronage of the President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the present Government, having taken upon its shoulders the aspirations of all heroes who sacrificed their lives for the pride of a free nation, is firmly committed to building a model country founded on peace and development.
The President further stated that Sri Lanka, which for centuries has been guided by Buddhism, rooted in boundless loving-kindness, non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, is a country where humanity rises above ethnic divisions.
President Dissanayake also emphasised that, instead of following the destructive and tribalistic path that sows hatred and anger among people, the present Government has chosen a path that leads the country towards unity, development and prosperity while safeguarding the lives of its people. He stressed that the Government would proceed along this path fearlessly and with determination.
The President made these remarks while addressing the 17th National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration held on Tuesday afternoon (19) at the War Heroes Memorial in Battaramulla.
The National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration, which marks the victory that ended the civil war that lasted for more than three decades, was held with pride under the patronage of the Commander-in-Chief President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
A special feature of this year’s commemoration, organised by the Ranaviru Seva Authority, was the increased opportunity provided for a larger number of war hero families to participate.
Speaking further, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said:
“We are gathered here today to pay tribute and honour to our heroes who contributed immensely to liberating the motherland.
Today, 17 years after the end of the war, we gather here before this War Heroes Memorial to remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and to fulfil the aspirations for which they fought.
At this moment, we respectfully remember all the heroes who paid with their lives, blood and tears for the pride of a free nation. We pay the nation’s tribute and respect to those who sacrificed their lives not for themselves, but for others and for the country.
In particular, we must honour the parents who gifted such heroic sons and daughters to this motherland. You may each be participating in this commemoration in different ways. Among the thousands of names inscribed on this memorial, some of you may be searching for your father. Others may be searching for a husband, a loved one, a relative, a brother, a closest friend or companion. They sacrificed their lives not only for the security of your country and mine, but also for greater ideals.
I wish to say that those brothers and sisters, who sacrificed parts of their bodies, just as others sacrificed their lives, will forever remain heroic figures in our hearts. Today, as a nation, we continue to experience the results of your immense sacrifice and dedication.
Had it not been for your sacrifice and dedication, we might still be living in a significantly more fearful State. We firmly believe that you will go down in history as the group that played the greatest role in liberating this motherland. Yet within that sacrifice were many other aspirations, the aspiration for a peaceful country. You, more than anyone else, reject a country defined by war and conflict. You understand better than anyone how destructive and horrifying war can be. Therefore, I believe that the greatest call and aspiration for peace within this motherland lies within you.
At the same time, there was also the aspiration for a developed nation. Alongside the struggle to liberate the motherland, you also carried the hope of transforming this country into a developed State. You aspired for a country founded on fairness and the rule of law, a country capable of succeeding in the world. Those were the aspirations carried by those who sacrificed their lives. Before this War Heroes Memorial, I solemnly pledge that we will take responsibility for building the future they envisioned. I pledge that we will never betray their aspirations.
Whenever we celebrate victory, there is something we must remember. There are still children waiting at their doorsteps for fathers who will never return. They will never again receive a father’s affection. Likewise, the pain of wives who lost their husbands will echo throughout their entire lives. Their husbands will never return. We know this.
There are also mothers and fathers who look upon their remaining children while carrying the memory of the child they lost. We know those parents will never receive their child back. All of them search for their loved ones upon this War Heroes Memorial. Deep within their hearts remain their husbands, child or brother. Yet here they search for a name engraved upon this memorial and place a hand upon their chest with a sigh.
Can we ever truly respond to this grief? Is merely commemorating the fallen heroes enough? Is paying tribute to their sacrifices sufficient? The responsibility placed upon those of us who remain alive is to build the State they dreamed of.
In every danger and every threat, they came forward to protect the nation. Whether facing enemy threats or natural disasters, they fulfilled a unique mission of sacrifice. Just as they protected the country during war, they also risked their lives to save others during disasters. Therefore, we assure you that they will forever remain unforgettable in our hearts.
As I stated last year, we stand at a crossroads. We must seek knowledge instead of ignorance. We must build unity instead of division. We must move towards progress rather than stagnation. As I said then, there are two paths before us. One is the destructive and tribalistic path that spreads hatred and anger among people. The other is the path that leads this country towards unity, development and prosperity while safeguarding the lives of the people. I believe that even in the most difficult moments, we will choose the second path. Before you today, I pledge to walk that path fearlessly and with determination.
For the first time in history, a republic accountable to the people has emerged through this transformation. It is truly a people’s republic in the fullest sense of the word, firmly for future generations. Today, we are travelling towards the creation of a humanitarian Sri Lankan nation. This journey has been built upon flames of resilience and determination. It has been marked by extraordinary hardship and suffering. Yet we must remember that the ultimate goal of this difficult journey is to transform this country into a bright and exemplary nation. That, too, was the aspiration of these war heroes, and we bear the responsibility of fulfilling it.
Today, what we carry forward is the indivisible spirit of humanity that exists among us. We are improving Sri Lanka’s image on the international stage. We are transforming our country into one that values the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Carrying upon our shoulders the aspirations of all those who sacrificed their lives to save this country, we are engaged in a determined journey to build a model nation.
War can shatter the world into pieces. Peace alone can unite it. A humane society cannot be built upon piles of corpses. Temples of peace cannot rise amidst rivers of blood. A comforting country or world for future generations cannot be built upon exploding bombs and bullets. War is a tragedy. Therefore, we have consigned the story of war to history and embraced the enduring worship of peace in the present.
The Tri-Forces and the security forces of our country fulfilled their duty. They fought against separatism. This motherland belongs equally to Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, Malays and Burghers, all of whom have the right to live anywhere within it. You fought against attempts to divide this motherland. They did not wage war against an ethnicity. The horrific consequences of war were experienced by all communities. Young people of one country were lost because of this war.
Opportunistic, power-hungry politicians and extremist agendas divided the people of one country into two.
Political indecency turned humanity into a football. Even today, some continue debating whether war is good or bad. My Government and I are not here to debate whether war was good or bad. We are here to ensure that another war never arises again. I believe this is the aspiration of the war heroes and all patriotic citizens of this country.
Likewise, every citizen, Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher or Malay, must be guaranteed the freedom to live with equal privileges. The belief that human rights, responsibilities and privileges belong equally to all must become embedded within society. Our society had become accustomed either to bowing before powerful authorities or living in fear. Certain groups are unaccustomed to living in a free and democratic State. They prefer conflict, insults and slander. But we remain committed to a democratic and free nation.
We must create a country where everyone with talent, ability and merit can progress. Those who previously thrived on privilege may find this painful. Those who believed themselves special while oppressing others may feel disturbed when they are no longer treated as special. They may become agitated when the law is applied equally regardless of status, as never before in history. Yet we remain unconditionally committed to universal fairness and to sustainably fulfilling the aspirations of the people. That, too, was the aspiration of the fallen war heroes.
This month in which we hold this commemoration is also religiously significant. It is during this month that we commemorate the thrice-sacred events of the Buddha, who delivered to the world the message of compassion, loving-kindness and peace. Buddhism is founded upon non-violence, compassion and boundless loving-kindness towards all beings.
For centuries, our country has functioned upon these noble principles. Yet we know there remains a small minority who spread hatred and anger for their own power and interests.
Sri Lanka possesses a rich multicultural identity. For thousands of years, this country has been a remarkable home for diverse ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic communities. In this post-war era, Sri Lanka is striving to move beyond its painful experiences. War is an extremely painful experience. We are working to ensure that this suffering is not inherited by future generations. We are building bridges for sustainable peace and coexistence. Acceptance of diversity and non-discrimination contribute greatly towards sustainable peace and coexistence.
At the world-renowned Sri Pada, devotees of all religions worship together. Within the Buddhist monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa are Hindu shrines. The Kataragama Devalaya is sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic devotees alike. Pilgrims from Jaffna in the North travel to Kataragama in the South by foot. Devotees visiting the Kirivehera also visit the Devalaya. In times of natural disaster, humanity rises above ethnic divisions. In moments of hardship, people help one another without discrimination.
What an extraordinary country can be built upon such an inspiring human society? The time has come to confine the destruction we experienced to history. For decades we have been trapped in an economic war, and we must win that war. For decades we have been trapped in a war against unemployment and we must win that war. The younger generation longs for a free and liberated country and we must achieve that.
We are engaged in a struggle to secure an exceptional country for the younger generation of this nation. How can a country win its future when children are deprived of parental love and protection? We must win that struggle. We must win the struggle to create a country where every citizen is treated equally and fairly and where this land is regarded as the motherland of all.
We pay tribute to all those who wiped away the tears of twenty million people by bringing an end to decades of war in this country. In that achievement, the role played by the war heroes was exceptional. Once again, we offer you our deepest respect for that noble service.
I invite you to move forward towards a country filled with peace, where the language of war is heard no more. We must also put an end to the clamour of racism, religious extremism and small disruptive groups. This country must never again become prey to any racist or extremist group. I invite all of you to stand together for that purpose.”
Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, Commanders of the Tri-Forces, former Commanders, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Civil Security Department, the Director of the National Cadet Corps, senior military officers and family members of fallen and disabled war heroes were among those present at the commemoration.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
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