Mahinda – The Internationalist

It is unfortunate that media and election stage had so far failed to highlight the place that President Rajapaksa occupies in the international arena. Even though General Fonseka has nothing to crow about the international exposure, President Rajapaksa has a different story. He first entered the international arena in 1970 according to Parliamentary records.

President Rajapaksa in his first speech in Parliament in 1970 spoke about the plight of the Palestinians. From there onwards he almost became a crusader for the Palestinian cause.Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims all over the world continue to express their appreciation about the bold and consistent stand taken by him.

He became the President of Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine in 1975 and continued to hold that position for 28 years actively supporting the Palestinian cause. The reception he continues to receive during his visits to Arab countries is sufficient proof of their closeness to the Arab world..Whole world saw how close Colonel Gadaffi was to President Rajapaksa during his visit to Libya recently.In 2007 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas named the road in front of the Sri Lanka mission in Palestine as Mahinda Rajapaksa Road.

Apart from the friendship Arab and Muslim countries continue to support Sri Lanka financially and politically. Recently at the request of the Palestinian National Authority Arab League took a decision to provide assistance to Sri Lanka.

The closeness of President Rajapaksa to India became evident from the support he received during the war against LTTE. Unlike the Sri Lankan leaders in the past he never entered into arguments with India.When aid agencies were threatening to stop aid India came to our rescue even recently.It has to Rajapaksa noted here that in the past Indian leaders ventured to save LTTE from imminent defeat on a number of occasions.But under President Rajapaksa India gave all the possible support and most of all and did not interfere as in the past. Indian Navy played a vital role in helping Sri Lankan Navy to intercept LTTE arms vessels.At the moment even the South Indian politicians are friendly towards President Rajapaksa.

President Rajapaksa also has strong cultural and economic ties with China and this friendship has boosted the economic development of Sri Lanka.

Japan continues to be the leading donor country as far as development aid is concerned and the latest country to establish friendly contacts with Sri Lanka is Venezuela where there is a very bright future. Cuba is a long standing friend of Cuba and President Rajapaksa has further strengthened the friendly ties.

One clear feature of President Rajapaksa,s foreign policy is that he wants to be a friend of all while maintaining the country's non aligned pollicy.

Even though some individuals in foreign countries influenced by LTTE diaspora are highly critical of President Rajapaksa the impact had been minimal.

As far as General Fonseka is concerned his international exposure is zero even though he may have supporters who are out to interfere into the internal affairs of this country.

In this scenario General Fonseka is no match for President Rajapaksa and it will be always for the benefit of Sri Lanka if President Rajapaksa is elected.

- Asian Tribune -