Beware of invisible forces - President at Army Passing out Parade

(By Rohan MATHES)

President Rajapaksa made this plea as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Defence Minister addressed a colourful commissioning parade, at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa yesterday.

The President pointed out that albeit the armed enemies have been well identified as lethal and should be wiped out by our gallant armed forces. But some unscrupulous elements may act in diverse and subtle ways. They could be even disguised in the garb of human rights activists.

These parties too, should be recognised and dealth with accordingly. As otherwise, he said, these enemies may ultimately have a greater impact and cause more harm and destruction to our motherland.

The President paid his highest tributes to the war heroes who have grown from strength to strength, and achieved a series of victories in Pooneryn, Kilinochchi and elsewhere.

He was of the view that our forces had confronted the most ruthless terrorist out fit in the world and defeat them, slowly but steadily, by re-capturing every inch of land from them.

They had overcome many arduous tasks and all daunting challenges before them, from suicide bombers to chemical weapons and inclement weather conditions. They emerged victorious and have undoubtedly become a shining example of sheer grit, courage,integrity and discipline, and a guiding star to the entire world.

“Their glorious achievements have now surpassed the doom of ‘Gunfire’ and given rise to an aura of joyful celebrations in the south.

They have fought for the benefit and the well-being of the entire nation, irrespective of race, cast, creed or party”, President Rajapaksa noted. He also lauded the parents and the loved ones of the commissioned cadet officers, stating that by offering their offsprings to the military, they had done a great and meritorious service to the nation, at a most critical time, when terrorism was gathering momentum, and had to be eradicated. The Commander-in-Chief opined that before the Government resumed the war, they themselves set an example by offering their own children, sans requesting only the ordinary people to do so.

At the colourful parade, 151 officer cadets, inclusive of 25 females were commissioned by the President. Regular Officer Cadet intakes 64, 64B 65 and Volunteer Officer Cadet Intakes 45 and Lady Intake 7 were commissioned.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Film on SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It is home to around twenty million people.

Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Today, the country is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with more than a quarter of the population following faiths other than Buddhism, notably Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population, with Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, forming the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include the Muslim Moors and Malays and the Burghers.

Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber, Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s tropical forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.

After over two thousand years of rule by local kingdoms, parts of Sri Lanka were colonized by Portugal and the Netherlands beginning in the 16th century, before the control of the entire country was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. During World War II, Sri Lanka served as an important base for Allied forces in the fight against the Japanese Empire.[4] A nationalist political movement arose in the country in the early 20th century with the aim of obtaining political independence, which was eventually granted by the British after peaceful negotiations in 1948.

A documentary Film on SRI LANKA Part - 1

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A rare collection of Srilankan Old Pictures

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Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Sinhalese: ශ්‍රී ලංකාව, Tamil: இலங்கை; known as Ceylon before 1972) is an island nation in South Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It is home to around twenty million people.

Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Today, the country is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with more than a quarter of the population following faiths other than Buddhism, notably Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population, with Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, forming the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include the Muslim Moors and Malays and the Burghers.

Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber, Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s tropical forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.

After over two thousand years of rule by local kingdoms, parts of Sri Lanka were colonized by Portugal and the Netherlands beginning in the 16th century, before the control of the entire country was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. During World War II, Sri Lanka served as an important base for Allied forces in the fight against the Japanese Empire.[4] A nationalist political movement arose in the country in the early 20th century with the aim of obtaining political independence, which was eventually granted by the British after peaceful negotiations in 1948.

15th SAARC DECLARATION

Fifteenth SAARC Summit Colombo, 2-3 August 2008 - Declaration
“Partnership for Growth for Our People

The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai; the Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr. Fakbruddin Ahmed; the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley; the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency 1\1r. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Rt. Hon’ble Girija Prasad Koirala; the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani; and the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, met at the Fifteenth Summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on August 2-3,2008.

2. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter. They renewed their resolve for collective regional efforts to accelerate economic grovvth, social progress and cultural development which would promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life, thereby contributing to peace, stability, amity and progress in the region.

3. The Heads of State or Government recognized that SAARC has been making steady and incremental progress over the years, in particular since the last Summit held in New Delhi in April 2007, towards realizing the objectives of the Charter. They accordingly emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum, through clear links of continuity between the work already underway and future activities. The Heads of State or Government recognized the need for SAARC to further strengthen its focus on developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects in the agreed areas on a priority basis. Each Member State may consider taking up at least one regional! sub-regional SAARC project as the lead country.

4. The Leaders noted vvith satisfaction the considerable progress made in various domains of partnership among SAARC Member States and emphasized the need to consolidate and ensure effective implementation of all SAARC programs and mechanisms by rationalization and performance evaluation on a regular basis.

5. The Heads of State or Government were convinced that the process of regional cooperation must be truly people-centered, so that SAARC continues to strengthen in keeping with expectations as a robust partnership for growth for the peoples of South Asia, They accordingly directed all SAARC mechanisms to abide by the Charter objective of promoting the welfare of the people and improving their quality of life. In this regard they directed the Council of Ministers to ensure that SAARC mechanisms identify further areas of cooperation where people-centric partnership projects could be initiated.

6. The Heads of State or Government observed that an effective and economical regional tele-communication regime is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships. They stressed the need for the Member States to endeavour to move towards a uniformly applicable low tariff, for international direct dial calls within the region.

7. The Heads of State or Government recognized the importance of connectivity for realizing the objectives of SAARC. They accordingly directed the SAARC mechanisms to continue to embody in their programs and projects a strong focus on better connectivity not only within South Asia, but also between the region and the rest of the world. They further stressed the necessity of fast-tracking projects for improving intra-regional cormectivity and facilitating economic, social and people-to-people contacts.

8. The Heads of State or Government noted that increased access to energy is critical for fulfilling the legitimate expectations of growth and development in South Asia. They observed in this regard that the escalation of oil prices threatens both the energy security of the region, as well as the economic growth witnessed in South Asia. In this context, they recognized the need to expeditiously develop and conserve the conventional sources of energy and to bllild up renewable alternative energy resources including indigenous hydro power, solar, wind and bio, while introducing energy reforms, energy efficiency and the trade and sharing of technology and expertise. They also noted that there is tremendous potential for developing regional and sub-regional energy resources in an integrated manner and noted the efforts being made to strengthen regional cooperation in capacity clevelopment, technology transfer and the trade in energy. While expressing satisfaction at the progress over the recent years to strengthen energy cooperation, the Leaders directed that the recommendations of the Energy Dialogue be implemented through an appropriate work plan.

9. The Heads of State or Government stressed the urgent need to develop the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines. They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-governmental framevvork may be explored to facilitate such an endeavour. They welcomed Sri Lanka’s offer to host the Third Meeting of SAARC Energy Ministers in Colombo in 2009.

10. Being increasingly aware of global warming, climate change and environmental challenges facing the region, which mainly include sea-level rise, deforestation, soil erosion, siltation, droughts, storms, cyclones, floods, glacier melt and resultant glacial lake outburst floods and urban pollution, the Heads of State or Government reiterated the need to intensify cooperation within an expanded regional environmental protection framework, to deal in particular with climate change issues. They were of the view that SAARC should contribute to restoring harmony with nature, drawing on the ancient South Asian cultural values and traditions of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

11. The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the adoption of SAARC Action Plan and Dhaka Declaration on Climate Change by the SAARC Environment Ministers at the SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change held at Dhaka on 3 July 2008. In this context they stressed the need for close cooperation for capacity building, development of CDM projects and promotion of programs for advocacy and mass awareness raising on climate change. They also expressed satisfaction at the adoption of a SAARC Declaration on Climate Change for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the Twenty-ninth Session of the Council of Ministers.

12. The Heads of State or Government expressed deep concern over global climate change and its impact on the lives and livelihoods in the region. They also noted the urgency of the immediate need for dealing with the onslaught of climate change including sea level rise, on meeting food, water and energy needs, and taking measures to ensure the livelihood security of the peoples in the SAARC region. They resolved to work together to prevent and address the threats to the livelihoods of the peoples and to provide access to remedies when these rights are violated and also to find an equitable distribution of responsibilities and rights among the Member States. They also emphasised the need for assessing and managing its risks and impacts. In this regard, they called for an in-depth study on “Climate Justice: The Human Dimension of Climate Change,” to come up with a rights-based approach that would highlight the human impact when responding to the impacts of climate change.

13. The Heads of State or Government affirmed that every citizen ofthi5 planet must have an equal share of the planetary atmospheric space. In this context, they endorsed the convergence of per capita emissions of developing and developed countries on an equitable basis for tackling climate change. They were of the view that any effort at addressing climate change should take into account historical responsibility, per capita emissions and respective country capabilities.

14. The Heads of State or Government expressed concern at the human loss suffered through natural disasters in the region and stressed the need for the timely provision of relief in humanitarian emergencies. In this regard they directed that a Natural Disaster Rapid Response Mechanism be created to adopt a coordinated and planned approach to meet such emergencies under the aegis of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre.

15. The Heads of State or Government expressing their deep concern at the looming global water crisis, recognized that South Asia must be at the forefront of bringing a new focus to the conservation of water resources. For this purpose they directed initiation of processes of capacity building and the encouragement of research, combining conservation practices such as rain water harvesting and river basin management, in order to ensure sustainability of water resources in South Asia.

16. The Heads of State or Government while acknowledging the significant steps taken to alleviate poverty in the region, resolved to continue to combat poverty through all available
means, including especiaIIy through people’s empowerment. They committed themselves to continuing to share each other’s experiences and success stories of pro”·poor poverty reduction strategies such as micro-credit systems, community-driven initiatives and the raising of the consciousness of the poor on their right to resources and development

17. In this respect, they emphasized on undertaking sustained efforts, including developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects towards the attainment of SAARC Development Goals (SDGs). They noted the decision by the Ministers on Poverty Alleviation to obtain an inter-governmental mid-term review of the attainment of the SOGs to be completed by 2009.

18.  The Leaders welcomed the offer of Nepal to host next Ministerial Meeting on Poverty
Alleviation.

19. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Charter of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and finalization of its Bye-laws, and called for an early ratification of the SDF Charter. They also welcomed early operationalization of the Fund from the available funds. They expressed satisfaction at the launching and identification of the projects on women empowerment, maternal & child health and teachers’ training under the social window of the SOF, as directed by the Finance Ministers. They reiterated their commitment to expedite their financial contributions to the Fund.. In this regard, the Heads of State or Government accepted with appreciation the offer of the Kingdom of Bhutan to host the SAARC Development Fund Secretariat in Thimphu.

20. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at the progress through the Meetings of the Ministers of Transport. They reiterated the critical importance of an efficient multi-modal transport system in the region for integration and for sustaining the region’s economic gro’vv’th and competitiveness. They urged early implementation in a gradual and phased manner of the proposals of the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS).

21. They noted the progress made in the consideration of the draft Motor Vehicle Agreement (MV A) by Member States. They also noted that technical inputs related to Regional Transport and Transit Agreement and Regional Multilateral Railway Agreement were being examined by the Member States. In this context, they directed the next Transport Ministers Meeting to expedite work in this regard. They appreciated the offer of Sri Lanka to hold the Second Meeting of SA ARC Ministers of Transport in Colombo in 2008. Information and Communications Technology (leT) Development

22. The Heads of State or Government urged the need for even more expeditious and close regional cooperation in information and communication technology. They welcomed the enhanced digital connectivity among the Member States and the ongoing work to upgrade the regional telecommunication infrastructure. They directed that the arrangements needed to implement the proposed collaborative tele-projects such as those for health care and education, be expedited.

23. The Heads of State or Government ackno\vledged the ongoing contribution of Science & Technology including cutting edge technology in information an.d bio-tecr.ulology in improving the quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. They noted the offer of India to host the Ministerial Meeting on Science & Technology on September 15- J 6, 2008 for development of a roadmap on identifying imp1ementab1e focused regional and sub-regionaJ projects in SAARC.

24. The Heads of State or Government underscored the vital contribution that tourism could afford to the economic development of the SAARC region. They agreed to make every etTort to implement the cornprehensive action plan adopted by the Second Ministerial Meeting held at Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. These efforts would include facilitating the movement of people tbIough improved travel infrastructure and air, sea and land connectivity among the S/\ARC countries, collaboration in hU.iuan resource development and the promotion of SAARC as a common destination through public-private partnerships and joint camp81gns.

25. The Heads of State or Governrnent emphasized the role of cultural connectl\/1ty in bringing the peoples of South Asia closer, while reinforcing and projecting a distinct South A.sian identity They directed that the Agenda for Culture be implemented in ful!.

26. The Heads of State or Government emphasized their commitment to implement SAFT A in letter and in spirit, thereby enabling SAARC to contribute as vielJ to the dynamic process of Asia’s emergence as the power house of the v.;orld. Recognizing the need to continue to address the major barriers hindering effective trade liberalization in the region, which include sensitive lists of items and Non-Trade Barriers (NTBs), they directed that the decision to revise the sensitive lists by the SAFT A Ministerial Council (SIvIC) be implemented early. They also recommended that while revising the Sensitive Lists, special consideration be given to the LDCs. The Leaders directed that SAFTA Committee of Experts (SCoE) to expeditiously resolve the issue of Non Tariff Measures (NTMs) and Par3 TaritTMeasures (PTMs) in order to facilitate and enhance the trade under SAFTA

27. The Heads of State or Government underlined the need for taking concrete measures to improve trade facilitation in terms of the mutual recognition of standards, the adoption of common tariff nomenclatures, the harmonization of customs procedures. They directed the relevant SAARC bodies to expedite their \-vork in these areas. They also recognized the importance of development of communication system and transport infrastructure and transit facilities specially for the landlocked countries to promote intra-SAARC trade.

28. The Heads of State or Government observed that the SAARC legal instruments 011 trade liberalization and the measures and initiatives for trade facilitation are increasingly
affording significant openings for mutually beneficial trade, investments and economic co­operation within South Asia. These openings are complemented by the uniformly sound levels of national economic grovvth being attained by the Member States of SAARC. The Leaders accordingly noted the growing and urgent need for enhancing capacity within SAARC dedicated to encouraging national and regional strategies that would further maximize the positive trade, investments and economic cooperation climate in South Asia. In this regard they welcomed the offer of Sri Lanka to prepare a Concept Paper and a Working Paper on the subject and directed that the Paper be discussed at a Session of the Standing Committee specially convened for this purpose, to enable the adoption of appropriate follow-up measures.

29. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the signing of the text of the Agreement on the Establishment of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the signing of the Protocol on Afghanistan for Accession to SAFTA.

30. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the Study on Trade in Services and welcomed the decision of SAFTA Ministerial Council to commence negotiation on the Framework Agreement on Trade in Services. Towards achieving further economic integration, they directed that the Draft Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection be finalized early and the SAARC Arbitration Council be operati onalized.

31. The Heads of State or Government underscored the imperative to make steady progress in the implementation of the SAARC Social Charter and directed the Member States to complete the National Plans of Action with a perspective of seeking to transform current challenges into opportunities. They further directed the National Coordination Committees (NCCs) to recommend activities in conformity with the Social Charter and to introduce an efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism for reviewing the progress in the implementation of the Social Charter. The Leaders emphasized the need to implement the selected regional and sub regional programs and projects to complement national implementation efforts. They urged that such activities be suitably accommodated in the SAARC Calendar. They called for people’s participation in strategy initiatives, planning and implementation to ensure people’s responsibility and ownership. The Leaders directed to develop a policy on the protection ofrights of the senior citizens far their geriatric care taking into account existing natianal policies afthe Member States.

32. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction the increased cooperation in the region towards achieving the all important goal of bringing women fully into the mainstream of development, on the basis of gender equality. They called for focused attention on women’s economic empowerment and skills development, while addressing key health issues and violence against women. The Leaders directed to work for a regional cooperation for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and abuse against women in general and widows in particular and guarantee their rights to live in the society in a dignified manner.

33. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the substantial progress made in the establishment of the South Asian University in New Delhi and directed that the University should begin its Session from 2010. They also directed that increased interaction between students should be encouraged through institutionalization of students, academics, teachers and youth exchange programs. They further directed early institutionalization of an elaborate SAARC Scholarship Scheme in ICT and related areas.

34. The Heads of State or Government strongly condemned all forms of terrorist violence and expressed deep concern over the serious threat posed by terrorism to the peace, stability and security of the region.

35. They further recognized the growing linkages between the phenomenon of terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances, illegal trafficking of persons and firearms and underscored the need to address the problem in a comprehensive manner. They reiterated their commitment to strengthen the legal regime against terrorism, including by undertaking to implement all international conventions relating to combating terrorism to which Member States are parties, as well as the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism. The Head of States or Government while recalling United Nations Security Council Resolution 13 73 (2001) emphasized the importance of criminalizing any act for the provision, collection and acquisition of funds for the purpose of committing terrorist acts,

36. The Heads of State or Government recognized in this regard the value of the proposed UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. They noted the progress made during recent rounds of negotiations and caIled for an early conclusion of the Convention.

37. They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime amongst the relevant agencies of the Member States especially in the area of information exchange. The Heads of State or Government further emphasized the importance of completing all legislative and other relevant measures to implement within Member States, the provisions of the Regional Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The Leaders noted the considerable work done to promote cooperation in Police matters. They appreciated the offer of Pakistan to host the Third Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Interior/Horne in Islamabad during 2008.

38. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction on the finalization of the text of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the Fifteenth Summit and its signing. They expressed appreciation at the accommodating manner in which the negotiations were conducted by the Member States to provide each other the widest measures of mutual assistance in criminal matters to ensure a greater sense of security within the region, the Heads of State or Government urged for early ratification and implementation of the Convention.

39. The Heads of State or Government resolved to encourage consultations among delegations of SAARC Member States at the appropriate international forums and agreed to cooperate accordingly.

40. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the Observers namely the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mauritius, the United States of America and the European Union and appreciated their participation in the Summit. They also welcomed Australia and Myanmar to be associated as Observers to SAARC. They approved the guidelines for cooperation ‘””lith Observers and looked forward to working with them in the common pursuit of the partnership for gro’Vvth for our people

41 The Heads of State or Government welcomed with appreciation the offer of the ]\!faldives to host the Sixteenth Summit Meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Courtesy: Government Information Department

Statement by the Rt. Honourable Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal

Your Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa
Your Excellencies the Heads of State and Government of SAARC Your Excellencies the Representatives from the Observer States Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a privilege for me to be here in the historic city of Colombo to participate in the 15th SAARC Summit. On behalf of the Nepalese delegation and on my own, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the warm reception and cordial hospitality.

I would like to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajpaksa, President of Sri Lanka on his election to the Chair and assure him that my delegation reposes full confidence and trust on his leadership and wisdom to steer the deliberations to a successful conclusion. I would also like to congratulate Sri Lanka on the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of its independence this year. I believe that under the able leadership of the new Chair, SAARC would take further momentum in fulfilling its noble objectives as enshrined in the Charter, while proving its relevance to the people by making them capable to meet the new challenges. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to India, Immediate Past Chair, for the active leadership role it played during the last year. I would also like to record our appreciation for the committed leadership of the Secretary General and the dedication and hard work of his team.

Mr.Chairman,

As we stand here to deliberate on the issues of regional integration and collective action within an Association that covers a quarter of the humanity of the world, we have to do so against the formidable challenges we are confronted with. They are of long term and short term in nature. While promoting an inclusive growth, we should focus ourselves on alleviating poverty, and ensuring employment opportunities to the youths throughout the region. Now, this has to be looked at against the background of an unprecedented rise in the prices of hydrocarbon fuels and food. Whereas the price escalation of fuels has created problems to sustain economic growth needed to promote welfare of the people of South Asia, the rise in food price has put questions on the very livelihood of our people. Our vulnerability to these shocks is more than that of many other countries. These daunting challenges demand that poverty reduction efforts in South Asia should have a comprehensive approach and be focused and result-oriented.

Since our region suffers from energy deficit, we need increased efficiency in our energy use and collective efforts in conservation of energy resources. We must immediately take strategic steps for regional energy connectivity and energy trade for exploitation and use of all energy resources available in the region, while ensuring universal access to commercial fuels. Nepal is ready to utilize the rich hydropower potentials of the country for equitable benefits in the

neighborhood. Moreover, we feel that we need to develop a regional strategy for management of waters for all different kinds of uses in the region in view of the increasing problem of water scarcity faced by the people in the region.

The adverse environmental changes induced by climate change is calling on sustainable and judicious use of non-renewable resources and a commitment to an increased use of renewable sources of energy such as hydropower. While there is a larger responsibility of the economically advanced countries to address the problems of global climate change, we must work with a united position to ensure increased resource flow and technology transfer to enhance our capacity in Clean Development Mechanism.

We welcome the preparation for establishment of SMRC Development Fund, which, I believe, will initiate the process of funding regional and sub-regional projects in the areas of social, economic and infrastructure development. From the pilot stage of projects implementation, we need to ensure proper matching of funding requirements in our enormous priority areas with the actual availability of funds for their effective implementation. We should make efforts to tap the growing strength of the private sector of the region in getting involved in projects under pUblic-private partnership scheme and the appropriate involvement of the international and regional financial organizations in consonance with the SAARC objectives and principles.

Implementation of SAFTA is our first major step towards the arduous course of deeper integration of economies. We must always ask how much benefit our people are getting from this joint effort and how much trade expansion it has fostered. I see more role and responsibility of all of us to make SAFT A an engine of growth in South Asia. At the same time, I request all member countries to be responsive to overcoming the hardships and capacity constraints suffered by LDCs like Nepal in a bid to translate into action the provisions envisaged under SAFTA Agreement. We are in favour of including Trade in Services under SAFT A and implementing all agreements and measures designed to facilitate intra-regional trade as early as possible.

The emphasis on connectivity of the South Asian peoples, places, economies and infrastructure must be reiterated with firmer resolve so that we can implement prioritized projects identified for achievement of these goals. As a landlocked country, we attach importance to improvement of multi-modal transport and transit infrastructure of the region, and proper facilitation of transport and transit in order to lower the cost of doing business and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of our trade.

Growing disparity between the haves and have-nots is putting enormous stress on social harmony, peace and security in several parts of South Asia. In addressing this problem, we are all aware that we have to make the socio-economic and political development processes more people-centered, inclusive and based on equality and justice. The social sector issues of South Asia are too many as any other issues. But I think the most important ones at hand are combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, preventing and controlling the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, controlling other transnational crimes and addressing the issues of women and children, including the elimination of worst forms of violence against them. The existing conventions in the social sector will prove their worth if they are backed by enabling national legislations and the mechanisms to address these issues. They have to be promoted in a more harmonized way by, among other things, involving the civil society organizations and the private sector in the process.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We in Nepal have made a commitment to bringing all social classes, ethnic groups, and geographic regions into the national mainstream while putting an end to the decade old conflict through the successive consolidation of peace process. Our main priority is how to ensure inclusiveness of the social class, gender and peoples living in various geographic areas in the governance of the country in order to enable them to shape their own destiny. Following the successful Constituent Assembly elections of April 10, 2008, the country is pursuing the path of socio-economic and political transformation process in an attempt to bring the peace process to a logical conclusion and realize the dream of making a new Nepal based on democratic ideals, equality, justice and inclusive progress.

We have built strong bonds of trust and fraternity within SAARC since its establishment 23 years ago. We believe in collective actions to promote collective prosperity. We must consolidate our work to bring this common vision into reality.

This is a propitious time to attain our objectives, and they are indispensable to take our region to a new height. This is the promise that we have made to the people and we must deliver. And looking at the long-term perspectives, we hold the view that we have no other option than to synergize all our efforts, based on the proven complementarities of South Asia, to realize the noble objectives of SAARC.

Thank you

Courtesy: Government Information Department