Mangala- Local inquiry create better conditions for FOREIGN INVESTMENT!

Sri Lanka strengthens laws against terrorist financing
Mar 18, 2015 17:19 PM GMT+0530

COLOMBO (Economy Next) -

Sri Lanka's foreign minister Wednesday sought parliamentary approval to strengthen laws against terrorist FINANCING and said'...........................................;

A local inquiry into alleged abuses would help create better conditions for  FOREIGN  INVESTMENT. 

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the amendments, giving effect to United Nations regulations on terrorist FINANCING, were in line with the country's international obligations.

The amendments include widened coverage of freezing orders, expanded provisions for handling foreign requests, reporting of attempted transactions and redress for persons
inadvertently affected.

"The amendments are aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s domestic legislative framework to comply with UN Security Council Resolutions on terrorist financing and MONEY laundering,"
Samaraweera said.

"The amendments will strengthen the capacity of the law enforcement and judicial authorities responsible for investigating MONEY laundering and terrorist financing."

Samaraweera also said government action to probe allegations of human rights abuses in its war against Tamil separatists would strengthen its international credibility and create better
conditions for foreign INVESTMENT.

"Sovereignty carries with it great responsibility which involves duties towards one’s own citizens.

"When a government fails to discharge such duties, external intervention of an unwelcome nature is difficult to prevent," he said, referring to a UN human rights probe launched during the ousted Rajapaksa regime.

The new government managed to get the UN Human Rights Council report on the allegations, to have been presented in March, deferred till September after promising a domestic inquiry more robust than one Rajapaksa had done.

Samaraweera said Rajapaksa had "alienated communities within the country as well as Sri Lanka’s international partners" by refusing to address issues of concern locally.

"Taking action locally as a responsible nation that is accountable to all sections of our population, upholding the rule of law, good governance and democracy while working in cooperation with the international community is the only way to project ourselves as a country that is at peace with itself.

"This is the only way to enable a secure atmosphere that is essential for foreign investment that is required for the long-term economic development of our nation," Samaraweera said.

"It is our objective to ensure that the international recognition of our armed forces personnel is further strengthened by taking action against any misdemeanours that some individuals may have committed and tarnished the image of our forces."

Foreign spies helped oust Mahinda – Gota

Foreign spies helped oust Mahinda – Gota
March 17, 2015, 12:00 pm

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that some countries had the wherewithal to overthrow democratically elected governments, though Sri Lanka lacked such capacity.

War veteran Rajapaksa points out that there had been many such interventions over the years in various parts of the world. Sri Lanka was a case in point, Rajapaksa said.

The ex- Defence Secretary was responding to a query whether he endorsed his brother and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa accusation that the US, British and Indian intelligence services had got him ousted. Alleging that he had been a victim of a conspiracy involving intelligence services in an interview with The Hindu, the former President said that India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was operating without the sanction of the government.

The comment was made ahead of former Sri Lankan leader’s one-on-one meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Northern Provincial Councillor Dharmalingham Siddarthan is on record as having said that at the behest of the RAW; Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO) assassinated two Jaffna district members of parliament, including his father Visvanather Dharmalingham (MP for Manipay) and K. Alalasundaram (MP for Kopay) in early September 1985.

Responding to another query, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that external intelligence services had subverted the former administration taking advantage of what he called privileged status enjoyed by them. Major countries maintained specialized units meant for clandestine operations outside their borders, therefore the former President’s accusation could be realistic, the one-time Commanding Officer of the celebrated first battalion of the Gajaba Regiment said.

Asked whether he felt the intelligence services under him had failed his brother by not identifying the then SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena’s move, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that secret services countered threats to national security. Rajapaksa insisted that intelligence services hadn’t been used in political projects under any circumstances.

Well informed sources told The Island that Maithripala Sirisena’s move, though being brought to the notice of the then SLFP leadership several weeks before the actual switching of allegiance by the top minister was ignored. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka never acquired a capability to tap hand phones though it could have helped anti-terrorist operations. Although, land lines could have been monitored, no one of importance used them any longer to enable us to benefit, he said.

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa paid a glowing tribute to intelligence services while recollecting the circumstances under which they managed to apprehend Kumaran Pathmathan in August 2009 and kill Gopi over one-year ago. Even Welle Suda had been apprehended by Pakistan during the previous administration, though he was brought to Colombo only after the change of the government in early January, the former Defence Secretary said.

Commenting on the assassination of the then Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickremetunga in early 2009, Rajapaksa said that the new government should investigate further and tangible measures to bring those who had been responsible before a court of law.

Dismissing long persisting accusations that he in his capacity as Secretary to the Ministry of Defence ran death squads, Rajapaksa said that similar allegations were directed at previous governments. The outspoken former Defence Secretary said that those who had served him as soldier bodyguards were professionals and weren’t involved in any clandestine project beyond their legitimate tasks. The former Defence Secretary emphasized that he could vouch for the conduct of those who had served him loyally.

Weapons found in floating armoury are not state owned: Gotabaya

Weapons found in floating armoury are not state owned: Gotabaya
March 17, 2015  12:01 pm

Ex-President’s brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (16) asserted that weapons recovered from the floating armoury in the southern port of Galle are not owned by the state.

While claiming that cabinet approval has been granted for the Avant Garde Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd and the Rakna Arakshaka Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, Rajapaksa expressed that both local and internationally recognised institutions have obtained its services.

The observations were made at the Derana 360° programme.

According to the ex- Defence Secretary, the firearms are owned by those international organisations who obtain services of the security firms.

He also denied allegations levelled by former Minister Mervyn Silva. Earlier, the ex-Minister accused the former Defence Secretary of being involved in several high profile assassinations carried out in the country in the recent past and also blamed him for creating the ‘white van’ culture.

Rajapaksa also dismissed allegations that he was backing the controversial Buddhist organisation ‘Bodu Bala Sena (BBS).

Watch the full interview (In Sinhala below) 

Mahinda to contest for PM post

Mahinda to contest for PM post

March 17, 2015 16:23

Mahinda Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to contest for the post of Prime Minister under the Sri Lanka Labour Party at the next Parliament elections.

Labour Party leader A. S. P Liyanage said that the former President had talks with his party on the matter and has also gathered support for the move from some Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members.

Mahinda Rajapaksa had decided to contest under the Sri Lanka Labour Party after failing to secure the full support of the SLFP to be the Prime Ministerial candidate of the SLFP.

A. S. P Liyanage, a leading businessmen in Sri Lanka, had contested past Presidential elections but had often used his time on State media during election campaigning to speak in support of the former President.

Rajapaksa was replaced by current President Maithripala Sirisena as the chairman of the SLFP following the January Presidential elections.

The former President was later named as an advisor of the SLFP. (Colombo Gazette)

Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency

Rajapaksa says RAW rallied opposition to his presidency- SUHASINI HAIDAR

ENB File Photo: Swamy MR

Claiming that the Research and Analysis Wing conspired with “Western agencies” CIA and MI-6 to rally the opposition led by President Maithripala Sirisena against his presidency, Sri Lanka’s former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he does not, however, believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the government was responsible.

In an exclusive interview to TheHindu, his first to any Indian media organisation since his surprise defeat in the presidential polls in January, Mr. Rajapaksa says he raised concerns with the government over his belief of a conspiracy. “I said the man [RAW station chief] who is here in Colombo, should be moved out. They agreed, but only at the very last minute before the
election, and by then it was too late,” he said at his residence in Colombo.

In January, a report by international news agency Reuters had claimed that an Indian intelligence official at the Indian Embassy in Colombo had been recalled over allegations he was part of a plan to unite and organise the opposition to President Rajapaksa. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin had categorically denied that the transfer of the official was anything but routine, and “in natural course.”

While Mr. Rajapaksa alluded to the “RAW hand” in Sri Lankan politics in interviews to Dawn and South China Morning Post, this is the first time he has spelt out his accusation, saying that the plan to try and oust him began “two years ago”.

When asked pointedly if he felt the RAW was working under political guidance, he said, “No, no. I’ve never accused Mr. Modi.

“Because he only came in less than a year ago. It was a long term plan. They misunderstood me over the Chinese question. And that is why they planned this,” he added.

Mr. Rajapaksa’s comments come hours ahead of Mr. Modi’s visit to Colombo, where he is expected to meet the former President. Sources said the meeting was sought by Indian officials on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Mr. Modi met with President Rajapkasa three times last year, including the last meeting — reportedly very cordial — during the SAARC summit after the release of five Indian fishermen on death row in Sri Lanka.

Confirming that he will meet with Mr. Modi on March 14, Mr. Rajapaksa said, “Yes, I met him three times before. When he comes to my country, I felt I must meet him.”

Mr. Modi’s visit comes at a time of speculation in Sri Lanka over when parliamentary elections would be held by Mr. Sirisena. Under Sri Lanka’s system, while the Presidential poll is a direct contest between individuals, the Prime Minister is elected through Members of Parliament. This could lead to the hypothetical scenario of Mr. Rajapaksa, who still belongs to

President Sirisena’s party, the SLFP, returning to government if he were to win enough support from MPs.

Fuelling the speculation are Mr. Rajapaksa’s daily meetings with the public, while two big public rallies have been held in his absence by his supporters.

In the interview to The Hindu, Mr. Rajapaksa would not confirm that he was considering a political comeback, but was angered by the cases filed by Mr. Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremsinghe against his family members and associates. “If they didn’t, I would have just supported this government. But now they want to probe, put us in jail, take our passports
without any evidence. How can I retire like this? I never said I would retire. At the moment I am taking a rest.”

MR govt. defeated for standing up to India - Former Minister Amaraweera

MR govt. defeated for standing up to India - Former Minister Amaraweera

March 15, 2015, 10:11 pm

By Norman Palihawadane

Opposing Indian expansionism was the reason why the Mahinda Rajapaksa government was ousted, 
former Minister of Disaster Management and Hambantota District UPFA MP Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday.

 In a brief interview with The Island the former minister said the then government resisted India’s interference with Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and believed in home-grown solutions to the
country’s problems. "We wanted to solve our own problems without being a puppet in the hands of region’s Big Brother. We forged strong relations with China for that purpose and that
cost us state power," MP Amaraweera said.

"We extended a warm welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came here as a guest of ours and appreciate his commitment to strengthening Indo-Lanka relations, but on no ground can we countenance India’s interference with our domestic affairs."

The MP admitted that the previous government’s foreign policy should have been balanced. "We see the incumbent government is doing the opposite and it is too early to predict repercussions of this new trend," he said adding that being servile to India would lead to more problems for Sri Lanka.

வீட்டடிமைத்தனத்தில் இருந்து விடுபடாத ஐரோப்பிய அன்னையர்கள்!

வீட்டடிமைத்தனத்தில் இருந்து விடுபடாத ஐரோப்பிய அன்னையர்கள்!

Mother's Day 2015: Forget the bunch of flowers, mothers deserve £172,000 a year

New study shows what mums would earn if they were paid for their parental labours
HANNAH BOLAND   Sunday 15 March 2015

Across Britain, burnt toast will be served to mothers in bed this morning as wayward older sons and daughters rush to deliver their supermarket bouquets. But, according to a new survey, we should be placing a higher value on motherhood all year.

Mothers have long known that their home workload was just as heavy as paid work. Now, a new study has shown that if they were paid for their parental labours, they would earn as much as £172,000 extra a year.

The, perhaps slightly  self-serving, study (commissioned by Interflora) looked at the range of jobs mothers do, as well as the hours they are working, to determine the figure. This would make their annual income £30,000 more than the Prime Minister earns.

By crunching the numbers, it found the average mother works 119 hours a week, 40 of which would usually be paid at a standard rate and 79 hours as overtime. After questioning 1,000 mothers with children under 18, it found that, on most days, mums started their chores at 7am and finished at around 11pm.

To calculate just how much mothers would earn from that labour, it suggested some of the roles that mums could take on, including housekeeper, part-time lawyer, personal trainer and entertainer. Being a part-time lawyer, at £48.98 an hour, would prove to be the most lucrative of the “mum jobs”, with psychologist a close second.

It also asked mothers about the challenges they face, with 80 per cent citing emotional demand as the hardest thing about motherhood.

Over a third of mums felt they needed more training and around half said they missed going out with friends.

Imogen Thompson, a campaigner for Mothers At Home Matter, a non-profit organisation aiming to get traditional family life recognised in the tax system, said: “Although light-hearted, it shows mothers matter all year long and not just on Mothering Sunday. The emotional, physical and mental energy mothers devote to their children can be relentless, but children are also sources of immense joy and happiness. Investing in time for parenting and nurturing relationships is money well spent.”
===================

பிற்குறிப்பு:
1) மேற்கண்ட விபரம் தன்னளவில் சொல்லுவது ஐரோப்பிய அன்னையர்களின் `குடும்ப உழைப்பு`, இன்னமும் ஊதியம் பெறாத உழைப்பாக உள்ளது அல்லது, அந்த உழைப்பு நேரத்துக்கு ஈடான ஓய்வு நேரம் அவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படும் நிலை இல்லாதுள்ளது என்பதே.
2) உலகில் மிக வளர்ச்சியடைந்த பொருளாதார நிலை கொண்ட ஐரோப்பாவின் நிலை இது.
3) அரைக்காலனிய ஆசியாவில்,நிலப்பிரபுத்துவத்துக்கு முந்திய உற்பத்தி முறை இன்றும் கட்டிக் காக்கப்படும் இந்தியாவில்,
4) மத்தியகால அடிமைத்தனம் இன்னும் ஆட்சி செலுத்தும் மத்திய ஆசிய, ஆபிரிக்க  நாடுகளில்,
5) உலக மறுபங்கீட்டு யுத்தமும், தேசிய ஒடுக்குமுறை யுத்தங்களும் கட்டவிழ்க்கப்பட்ட நாடுகளில் ,
6) ஆட்சிக் கவிழ்ப்பு `புதிய அரசுகளின்`  பாசிச அடக்கு முறைகள் தொடரும் நாடுகளில்,
7)ரோன் மற்றும் வான் வெளி விமான இராணுவத் தாக்குதலுக்குள்ளாகி வரும் பிராந்தியங்கள், மற்றும் பிரதேசங்களிலும்,

வாழும் தாய்மார்கள் மீண்டும் மீண்டும் பிரசவ வலியில் அலறி அழுவதையே காண்கின்றோம்!
இத்தனைக்கும் காரணமான ஏகாதிபத்தியத்துக்கு முடிவு கட்டாமல், தாய்க்குலம் விடுதலை பெற முடியாது!!

ENB Admin

புத்திர சோகத்தில் புலம்பியழும் தாய்மார்-தினம்

கத்தி அலறும் காட்சி ஈழத்தில்,

இன்றும் தொடர்கிறது!

``புதிய அரசே`` காணாமல் போனவர்களுக்கு பதில் கூறு!!

மகிந்த ஆட்சியும், மைத்திரி ஆட்சியும் ஒன்றே! மோடி ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் யாழ் மக்கள் தீர்ப்பு!

மகிந்த ஆட்சியும், மைத்திரி ஆட்சியும் ஒன்றே! மோடி ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் யாழ் மக்கள் தீர்ப்பு!
தேர்தலைப் புறக்கணிப்போம் என எச்சரிக்கை!

Full text: PM Modi's address in Sri Lanka Parliament

Full text: PM Modi's address in Sri Lanka Parliament

March 13, 2015 19:05 IST

 On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Sri Lanka Parliament. He strongly pitched for enhanced cooperation in key areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Below is the PM’s speech verbatim:

Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Mr Chamal Rajapaksa ji, 

Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Shrimaan Ranil Wickremesinghe ji, 

Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Mr Nimal Siripala De Silva, 

Honourable Members of Parliament, 

Distinguished guests, 

I am truly delighted to visit Sri Lanka - a land of beauty, culture and friendship. 

I am deeply honoured to be in this Parliament. I am conscious of its rich history. 

This Parliament represents one of Asia`s oldest democracies; and, one of its most vibrant. 

Long before many others in the world, Sri Lanka gave every individual a vote and voice. 

To the people of Sri Lanka, ayubuvan, Vanakkam. 

I bring the greetings of 1.25 billion friends; and millions of fans of Sri Lankan cricket. 

I bring the blessings from the land of Bodh Gaya to the land of Anuradhapura. 

I stand here in respect for our shared heritage; and, in commitment to our shared future. 

Last May, when I took the oath of office, I was honoured by the presence of South Asian leaders at the ceremony. 

Their presence was a celebration of democracy`s march in our region. It was also recognition of our common destiny. 

I am convinced that the future of any country is influenced by the state of its neighbourhood. 

The future that I dream for India is also the future that I wish for our neighbours. 

We in this region are on the same journey: to transform the lives of our people. 

Our path will be easier, the journey quicker and destination nearer when we walk step in step. 

As I stand here in Colombo and look north towards the Himalaya, I marvel at our region`s uniqueness – of our rich diversity and our common civilisational links. 

We have been formed from the same elements; and, from our interconnected histories. 

Today, we stand together as proud independent nations – sovereign and equal. 

India and Sri Lanka do not have a land boundary, but we are the closest neighbours in every sense. 

No matter where you look in India or Sri Lanka, the many strands of our links - religion, language, culture, food, customs, traditions and epics - come together into a deep and strong 

bond of familiarity and friendship. 

Ours is a relationship that is beautifully defined by the journey of Mahindra and Sanghamitra. They carried the message of peace, tolerance and friendship more than two millenniums ago. 

It is evoked by Kannagi, the central character of the great Tamil epic Silapathikaram, who is worshipped as goddess the Pattini in Sri Lanka. 

It lives in the Ramayan trail in Sri Lanka. 

It expresses itself in devotion at the dargah of the Nagore Andavar and the Christian shrine of Velankanni. 

It is reflected in the friendship of Swami Vivekananda and Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society in Sri Lanka and India. 

It lives in the work of Mahatma Gandhi`s followers in India and Sri Lanka. 

Above all, our relationship thrives through the inter-woven lives of ordinary Indians and Sri Lankans. 

Our independent life began at about the same time. 

Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress since then. 

The nation is an inspiration for our region in human development. Sri Lanka is home to enterprise and skill; and extraordinary intellectual heritage. 

There are businesses of global class here. 

Sri Lanka is a leader in advancing cooperation in South Asia. 

And, it is important for the future of the Indian Ocean Region. 

Sri Lanka`s progress and prosperity is also a source of strength for India. 

So, Sri Lanka`s success is of great significance to India. 

And, as a friend, our good wishes, and our support and solidarity have always been with Sri Lanka. 

And, it will always be there for you. 

For all of us in our region, our success depends on how we define ourselves as a nation. 

All of us in this region, indeed every nation of diversity, have dealt with the issues of identities and inclusion, of rights and claims, of dignity and opportunity for different sections of our 

societies. 

We have all seen its diverse expressions. We have faced tragic violence. We have encountered brutal terrorism. We have also seen successful examples of peaceful settlements. 

Each of us has sought to address these complex issues in our own ways. 

However we choose to reconcile them, to me something is obvious: 

Diversity can be a source of strength for nations. 

When we accommodate the aspirations of all sections of our society, the nation gets the strength of every individual. 

And, when we empower states, districts and villages, we make our country stronger and stronger. 

You can call this my bias. I have been a Chief Minister for 13 years; a Prime Minister for less than a year! 

Today, my top priority is to make the states in India stronger. I am a firm believer in cooperative federalism. 

So, we are devolving more power and more resources to the states. And, we are making them formal partners in national decision making processes. 

Sri Lanka has lived through decades of tragic violence and conflict. You have successfully defeated terrorism and brought the conflict to an end. 

You now stand at a moment of historic opportunity to win the hearts and heal the wounds across all sections of society. 

Recent elections in Sri Lanka have reflected the collective voice of the nation – the hope for change, reconciliation and unity. 

The steps that you have taken in recent times are bold and admirable. They represent a new beginning. 

I am confident of a future of Sri Lanka, defined by unity and integrity; peace and harmony; and, opportunity and dignity for everyone. 

I believe in Sri Lanka`s ability to achieve it. 

It is rooted in our common civilisational heritage. 

The path ahead is a choice that Sri Lanka has to make. And, it is a collective responsibility of all sections of the society; and, of all political streams in the country. 

But, I can assure you of this: 

For India, the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka are paramount. 

It is rooted in our interest. It stems from our own fundamental beliefs in this principle. 

Hon`ble Speaker and Distinguished Members, 

My vision of an ideal neighbourhood is one in which trade, investments, technology, ideas and people flow easily across borders; when partnerships in the region are formed with the ease 

of routine. 

In India, the growth momentum has been restored. India has become the fastest growing major economy in the world. 

The world sees India as the new frontier of economic opportunity. 

But, our neighbours should have the first claim on India. And I again repeat, the first claim on India is of our neighbours – of Sri Lanka. 

I will be happy if India serves a catalyst in the progress of our neighbours. 

In our region, Sri Lanka has the potential to be our strongest economic partner. 

We will work with you to boost trade and make it more balanced. 

India`s trade environment is becoming more open. Sri Lanka should not fall behind others in this competitive world. 

That is why we should conclude an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. 

India can also be a natural source of investments – for exports to India and elsewhere; and to build your infrastructure. We have made good progress today. Let us get together to harness the vast potential of the Ocean Economy. 

Our two nations must also take the lead in increasing cooperation in the South Asian Region and the linked BIMSTEC Region. 

Connecting this vast region by land and sea, our two countries can become engines of regional prosperity. 

I also assure you of India`s full commitment to development partnership with Sri Lanka. We see this as a responsibility of a friend and neighbour. 

India has committed 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in development assistance. Today, we have committed further assistance of up to 318 million dollars to the railway sector. 

We will continue our development partnership. We will be guided by your Government. And, we will do so with the same level of transparency that we expect in our own country. 

Last month we signed the agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 

More than anywhere else in the region, I see enormous potential to expand cooperation with Sri Lanka in areas like agriculture, education, health, science and technology, and space. 

Indeed, we are limited only by our imagination. 

We hope that Sri Lanka will take full benefit of India`s satellite for the SAARC Region. This should be in Space by December 2016. 

People are at the heart of our relationship. When we connect people, bonds between nations become stronger. That is why we have decided to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to Sri Lankan citizens. 

We will also increase connectivity between our countries. We will strengthen ties of culture and religion. Last month we announced reduction in fees for Sri Lankan nationals visiting 

National Museum in Delhi to see the Kapilavastu Relics. We will bring our shared Buddhist heritage closer to you through an exhibition. Together, we will develop our Buddhist and Ramayana Trails. My birth place Varnagarh was an international centre of Buddhist learning in ancient times. Excavations have revealed a hostel for 2000 students and in plans to redevelop the centre. 

Mr Speaker, 

A future of prosperity requires a strong foundation of security for our countries and peace and stability in the region. 

The security of our two countries is indivisible. Equally, our shared responsibility for our maritime neighbourhood is clear. 

India and Sri Lanka are too close to look away from each other. Nor can we be insulated from one another. 

Our recent histories have shown that we suffer together; and we are more effective when we work with each other. 

Our cooperation helped deal with the devastation of Tsunami in 2004. As a Chief Minister, I was pleased to share our experience in reconstruction after the Bhuj earthquake in 2001. 

Our cooperation is also integral to our success in combating terrorism and extremism. 

For both of us, local threats remain. But, we see threats arising in new forms and from new sources. We are witnessing globalisation of terrorism. The need for our cooperation has never been stronger than today. 

The Indian Ocean is critical to the security and prosperity of our two countries. And, we can be more successful in achieving these goals if we work together; build a climate of trust and confidence; and we remain sensitive to each other`s interest. 

We deeply value our security cooperation with Sri Lanka. We should expand the maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to include others in the Indian Ocean area. 

I often say that the course of the 21st century would be determined by the currents of the Indian Ocean. Shaping its direction is a responsibility for the countries in the region. 

We are two countries at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean. Your leadership and our partnership will be vital for building a peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous maritime 

neighbourhood. 

In our deeply interconnected lives, it is natural to have differences. Sometimes, it touches the lives of ordinary people. We have the openness in our dialogue, the strength of our human 

values and, the goodwill in our relationship to resolve them. 

Mr.Speaker, 

Sri Lanka and India are at a moment of a great opportunity and responsibility – for realising the dreams of our people. 

This is also a time for renewal in our relationship; for a new beginning and new vigour in our partnership. 

We have to ensure that our proximity always translates into closeness. 

We were honoured that President Sirisena chose India as his first destination last month. I am honoured to be his first guest here. 

This is how it should be between neighbours. 

Tomorrow I will go to Talaimannar to flag off the train to Madhu Road. This is part of the old India –Lanka rail link. 

I recall the lines of a famous song ‘Sindu Nadiyin Misai’ composed by the great nationalist poet Subramanian Bharati in the early 20th century:

‘Singalatheevukkinor paalam ameippom’(we shall construct a bridge to Sri Lanka) 

I have come with the hope of building this bridge – a bridge that rests on strong pillars of our shared inheritance; of shared values and vision; of mutual support and solidarity; of friendly 

exchanges and productive cooperation; and, above all, belief in each other and our shared destiny. Thank you once again for the honour to be with you. 

Thank you very much