Op-ed Details Sri Lanka's Arduous Struggle and Positive Steps Toward Reconciliation

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an opinion piece recently published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa lauded his country's unfettered commitment to winning a 25-year war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group seen as one of the world's most violent terrorist organizations.

In How Sri Lanka defeated terrorism, President Rajapaksa explained how Sri Lanka's struggle was "a victory for global democracy and demonstrates that a workable model exists for eradicating terrorism, a model from which the international community may yet gain valuable insight."

"Now the hard work of reconstruction begins," President Rajapaksa added. "We are redoubling our efforts to rejuvenate democracy across our country, revive the economy, and reconcile any differences. As the global community watches, Sri Lanka recognizes the need for transparency of action. Our aim is to deliver a prosperous and peaceful future to every Sri Lankan, whatever their race, culture, or religion."

With regard to reconciliation of all peoples in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa noted: "We have demonstrated our commitment to and respect for human rights by ensuring freedom of movement in the temporary centers for internally displaced people. Sri Lanka intends to close all centers by Jan. 31."

Looking toward to Sri Lanka's promising future, President Rajapaksa wrote: "I am confident that Sri Lanka, our island of unsurpassed natural beauty, diversity, enterprise, and, now, a hard-fought peace, will take its rightful place in the world. This could only have been achieved through the decisive action taken last May for the long-term benefit of all Sri Lankans."

This has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the government of Sri Lanka.  More information is available at the United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Government of Sri Lanka

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