Statement of Sri Lankan Prime Minister at Opening of the Asia-Pacific Landmine Monitor Meeting
Author/Origin: ICBL |
(Tuesday 28 January 2003 )
It gives me great pleasure to send this message of good wishes to the Asia-Pacific Landmine researchers’ meeting which is being held in Colombo from 27th to 30th January, 2003.
I believe, that within a few years of its existence, the Landmine Monitor publication has earned a global reputation for providing an accurate, impartial and comprehensive account of the antipersonnel landmine situation in the world. I have no doubt, that a good part of the credit for that, will go to the researchers present here today.
As we all know, a certain part of this country is seriously affected by landmines. The mines on the ground are causing serious problems in regard to resettlement and economic development of the affected areas, which in turn, is impacting on the momentum of the larger peace process. I am told that the researchers will be visiting the mine-affected areas; so they will be able to see for themselves, the enormity of the problem that I am talking about.
Several governments have come forward to help us in solving the landmine problem, and I would like to place on record the gratitude of my government to those countries. This country needs much more foreign assistance to eradicate the landmine problem, and I sincerely hope that the assistance we desperately need will be forthcoming from other countries.
As we now move towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, I am able to say, that we are in a position to consider an agreement regarding the non-use of antipersonnel landmines. In this regard, this government is also mindful of the wishes of over a million people of this country, who signed a petition calling upon the government and the LTTE to stop using landmines.
I have no doubt, that the deliberations at this researchers’ meeting, will contribute in great measure, to the production of another informative and respected Landmine Monitor publication.
I wish all of you a pleasant and enjoyable stay in this country.
Thank you
(Signed)
Ranil Wickremasinghe Prime Minister
27th January, 2003
