Victory in April polls will help President Rajapaksa consolidate peace , says envoy in New Delhi

On the eve of the Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao’s visit to Colombo on Saturday, Sri Lanka has underlined the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries in political and economic fields.

As the closest neighbour, links with India will always remain firm, Sri Lanka feels. This was stated by Mr Prasad Kariyawasam, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, in an exclusive interview with Asian Tribune in New Delhi on Friday. The envoy talked about the forthcoming Parliamentary elections in his country, steps being taken to deal with the Internally Displaced Persons, the Global Tamil Forum, SAARC summit in April in Bhutan and the need to work for stability and peace in the region.

Excerpts from the interview:

Asian Tribune:What is the expectation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the April Parliamentary elections?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam: The popularity of the President was clear from the margin of his victory in the January elections against the opposition candidate. This should definitely translate into votes in the polls. It must be however, remembered that to an extent, the popularity of individual candidates also matter. It is going to be a three-cornered fight with the JVP being an important challenger.

Asian Tribune:What will be the impact of a convincing victory for the President?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam : That will definitely help President Rajapaksa to consolidate peace and speed up the process of reconciliation. The President has made it clear that he was willing to listen to all sections of opinion whether Tamils or Muslims to arrive at an amicable solution to the problems. As the President of the country, reprenring the entire population, he would like to ensure support for a solution that is acceptable to all in which Sri Lankans can live with dignity. In this task, the Tamil diaspora should extend support. It should not be driven by a separatist agenda, which has no validity after the end of LTTE. The aim should be the development of North and East so that the people can participate in the development efforts.

Asian Tribune: What are your views on the Global Tamil Forum?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam : Its agenda seems to be separatism, which has no basis and will not succeed. It is only waste of energy and will produce no results. There should be positive efforts for the development and Tamils’ empowerment. It should be understood the LTTE agenda of propagating terrorism has lost its relevance.

Asian Tribune: What is the progress in the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in camps?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam:Nearly 1000 people are leaving every day. There are only around 65,000 people still left. I feel it is a misnomer to call these as ‘camps’. “Relief Village”, would be a more apt description. The use of the term detention camp gives a negative impression. No one is being kept against their will .The people have complete freedom to move around. They get adequate food and rations, banking and medical facilities. International organizations are looking after the humanitarian aspect. The effort is to ensure safe and secure environment and livelihood support as well as adequate infrastructure for the people to go back to their places. Those suspected of LTTE links have been separated and rehabilitated. Many have been released also. Those who indulged in criminal activities will, however, face the legal process.

Asian Tribune: Do you rule out the presence of LTTE sympathizers in other parts of the world?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam: Sri Lanka is a friendly nation and is interested in good relations with all countries. It would expect action against LTTE supporters who do not back the reconciliation process and development programme in the North and East.

Asian Tribune:What about Sarath Fonseka?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam:He is facing serious charges. Due process under military and civilian laws will be applied for the conduct of an impartial justice. If the allegations are proved, necessary action has to be taken. But you must note that there has been no vindictive action. After all, like all citizens, Fonseka has been allowed to contest the April parliamentary elections. But one must remember that to become an MP, he has to take oath which can be done only when he is free and acquitted of the charges.

Asian Tribune:How does Sri Lanka view its relations with India and China?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam: If China is an old friend, India is an older friend. Politically and economically, Sri Lanka has excellent ties with India. Friendship with one is not at the expense of other. Sri Lanka has civilisational links with India. After the April elections and formation of the new government, we would like to take advantage of India’s economic progress and interact with the political leadership.

Asian Tribune: How are Sri Lanka’s relations with the SAARC nations?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam : Colombo considers all SAARC countries as close friends. We want to work with them for regional stability, peace and eradication of terrorism. The April meeting of the SAARC countries in Bhutan is an important event to reiterate our aim for cooperation on issues affecting the nations in the region. SAARC has a chance to implement its vision and become the engine for promoting solidarity in the region. The 16th SAARC summit will move ahead with the development fund for progress in the region. India is a major contributor to the funding activities. Sri Lanka is hopeful that the whole region will succeed in eradicating terrorism. Our country will extend full support to other nations in this task.

Asian Tribune:How do you look at investment opportunities in Sri Lanka after restoration of peace?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam: Indian investors and trading houses will find Sri Lanka an attractive destination, a springboard to reach the rest of the world. We have liberal business laws which India can take advantage. Colombo has one of the best ports in the world. Businessmen can benefit from the existing accords between the two countries. The FTA can be profitably used.

Asian Tribune: Now that there is peace and amity in Sri Lanka, do you see a sharp rise in tourism?

High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam: The scenic country with a multi-ethnic culture is rightly called a paradise. Yes, there are many attractions for a tourist looking for the right economy package to suit his purse. Our tourist infrastructure facilities are excellent and of world standard. The people are very friendly to ensure a tourist goes back with happy memories. An increase in tourist arrivals has already been noticed in the past few months.

- Asian Tribune –