Distinguished delegates,
Let me from the outset refer to and associate myself
with the opening remarks made earlier by the EU Presidency
– outlining the overall principles for EU support
to the reconstruction and development of Sri Lanka. Allow
me to make just a few additional comments.
Option one: As earlier speakers Denmark welcomes the
presence of the representatives from the GoSL and the
LTTE here in Tokyo. It clearly demonstrates the remarkable
will and strong commitment by both parties to move the
peace process forward to the benefit of the people of
Sri Lanka.
Option two: Denmark is disappointed of the LTTE decision
not to participate in the conference. We believe it would
have made a positive impact on the process of reconstruction
and development of Sri Lanka if the LTTE had decided to
come. However, temporary setbacks must not change the
long-term vision of peace and development in Sri Lanka.
The GoSL and the LTTE are facing enormous challenges
of building lasting peace and creating improved economic
conditions that would bring “peace dividends”
to all the people of Sri Lanka. Bearing in mind that lasting
peace must build on a balanced sense of equity, the must
urgent needs for reconstruction and rehabilitation are
in the most war affected areas in North and East and immediate
priorities should be given to these areas.
Building lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka require:
- Full implementation
of the ceasefire agreement, including unrestricted access
by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. - Early resumption
of the peace talks. Continued suspension of the process
will cause delay in the release of donor funds and further
delay visible improvements on the ground.
- Intensified dialogue between GoSL and LTTE on the establishment
of a new structure to replace SIHRN that could satisfy
both parties. We recognize that LTTE must be given sufficient
influence and responsibility in the allocation for development
activities in North and East.
- Notable improvement in the human rights situation including
adoption of the human rights roadmap and its progressive
implementation. No further laying of new mines and increased
mine clearance.
- Implementation of extensive administration and macroeconomics
reforms as well as improved governance. Welcome priorities
given to these areas in the “bridging paper”.
- Increased volume of external financial resources, which
we stand ready to help providing. Within the context of
aid utilization and improved aid effectiveness, effective
mechanism for aid coordination must be established in
Sri Lanka drawing on experiences with locally owned consultant
group processes in other countries.
Finally, let me reiterate the earlier financial commitment
made by Denmark in Oslo. Denmark for many years was not
a donor to Sri Lanka. Our new commitment is a direct consequence
of the current process. The Danish government has allocated
DKK 156 mill. (app. USD 22 mill.) over the next three
years to support the peace process. Focus will be given
to rehabilitation and reconstruction in North and East
within the following priority areas: 1) De-mining, 2)
Support to NERF, 3) Humanitarian activities, 4)Continued
contribution to the SLMM, and 4)Human Rights activities
In addition, an amount of DKK 450 mill. (app. USD 60
mill.) is available for Mixed Credits over the next two
years as a contribution to private sector development
in Sri Lanka.
Thank you.