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.
Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
