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Video: Respect the UN Charter: MR

4 February 2013 04:58 am - 73     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day address to the nation reminded the people of Sri Lanka and the international community that every country should respect the UN Charter, according to which no country had the right to intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.

The President quoting the UN charter urged the international community to respect it just as much as Sri Lanka did.

“The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members. All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations, therefore no country has a right to intervene in the internal affairs of another country. We respect the UN charter and urge other countries to respect it too,” he said.

The President said the only answer to foreign countries, which criticize Sri Lanka, is to invite them to our country.

“The best answer to the critics is development and reconciliation. We invite them to come to this country and see, to come and see,” he said.
WATCH


The full text of the speech:
 
Friends,
 
We celebrate this 65th anniversary of Independence with great freedom and the immense pride derived from it. I offer my respectful salute to all who sacrificed their lives and shed blood and sweat for Sri Lanka’s freedom and independence.
 
Friends,
 
You are aware that the city of Trincomalee that we are gathered in today is an area with a very important history. For thousands of years Sri Lanka was important to the world because of the Trincomalee Harbour located here. In the past this port was called the Port of Gokanna-titta.
 
As stated in our Chronicles it was in this area that the two merchant brothers – Thapassu and Bhalluka – set ashore with the hair relics of the Buddha. During the Kandyan period, when we had been deprived of higher ordination of the Sangha, the monks who brought higher ordination from the ancient land of Siam, also arrived at Trincomalee. When we were important in the world because of this port, the Dutch arrived and established a fort at Kottiyar and captured this area. The evidence of history is that to secure power in Asia control over this port of Trincomalee should be obtained. 
 
That is why even after the country received independence in 1948 the British maintained their naval camps in this area. The camps of foreign naval forces that were in the country since 1795 were removed in 1957.
 
Ven. Members of the Sangha and respected clergy,
 
You will recall what the LTTE Tigers subsequently did to gain control of this port and city that had become a nerve centre in the Indian Ocean. The Buddha statue at Trincomalee was protected with barbed wire fencing around it. There was no peace or freedom even for the sacred statue. On the day when the first provincial council elections were held after this area was liberated, the terrorists sunk a ship that was anchored in this harbor.
 
We have arrived in Trincomalee today having broken all those shackles of slavery. Therefore, by holding our Independence Day celebrations in this city important to the world for thousands of years, we show the world the importance we attach to both world peace, freedom and reconciliation. Nearly four years have gone since Sri Lanka became the only country in the world to have totally eradicated terrorism. However, throughout this entire period we have had to face continued challenges to protect the freedom and independence of our motherland. 
 
For this very reason we have now come to a very strong situation. Similarly, facing up to these challenges have increased our desire to be committed to our freedom. 
 
Our interest in gaining economic strength has similarly increased. 
 
Friends,
 
Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is that of non-alignment. It is necessary for us to build a new era in foreign affairs based on this policy. This is essential for the freedom of Sri Lanka today. In addition to our traditional relations we have established new links with Asian, African, Arab and Latin American countries.
 
We respond to the publicity against Sri Lanka carried out abroad by inviting foreign countries to come to Sri Lanka. We have seen that the best answer to false publicity and propaganda carried out in foreign countries is development and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Do not believe something just because it is said, because you have read reports, critics have said it or the media has published it. We tell the people of the world – Come! Come Over and See for yourselves!
 
Friends,
 
Along with gaining independence in 1948 we were able to be seated as an equal member of the United Nations Organization. Article 2 of the United Nations Charter states that the organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members. 
 
I shall now quote it, 
 
 
1. The Organization is based on the Principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members. 
 
2. All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.
 
3. Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter.
 
 
We are a country that has always respected the Charter of the United Nations. We strongly hold the position that whether powerful or weak, any country in the United Nations Organization should respect its Charter.
 
Friends,
 
It is necessary to state on this occasion that as much as racism, religious differences too can be a cause for the destruction of a country. If anyone is trying to build religious rivalry in Sri Lanka again, they do not serve their religion, but serve the interests of separatism in the country. We cannot leave room for what could not be achieved through terrorism to be gained by this.
 
Today in Colombo and the South the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslim people live together. In the East the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim people live together. The best example of this is Trincomalee. In Ampara too all three communities live in harmony. In building of the Velgama Raja Maha Viharaya here in Trincomalee, at a certain era the Tamil Hindus also contributed as much as the Sinhala Buddhists. That is not all, in Kandy where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined; the land to build the Meera Makkam Mosque was donated from land of the Asgiriya Temple.
 
When the people live together in unity there are no racial or religious differences. Therefore, it is not practical for this country to have different administrations based on ethnicity. The solution is to live together in this country with equal rights for all communities. 
 
Speaking in Tamil too President Rajapaksa gave the example of people of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities living together in harmony in Colombo and the South with Trincomalee being a very good example for this. He reminded that the building of the Welgama Raja Maha Viharaya in Trincomalee was through the joint efforts of Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus and that land for the Meera Makkam Mosque in Kandy was given from a Buddhist temple.
 
He added that when people live together there was no room for ethnic or religious differences. It was not possible to divide the country on racism. The best solution is for all to live together with equal rights. Religious differences, just as racial differences lead to destruction of the country. Anyone who causes such division supports the division of the country. We will not leave room for that. 
 
Speaking further in Tamil he said: My friends in the Sinhala , Tamil and Muslim communities all of you have a very high culture. I would urge you to trust your neighbour and not leave the country as done by the Diaspora that has left the country and live aboard. 
 
Speaking in Sinhala again the President said, 
 
Friends
 
If freedom is a heavenly state, it is not a state one can fully achieve. There was a time when you went past the road blocks in fear of death. When you trod in fear past the roadblocks you did not see the potholes. You did not have the time to think of cleanliness of the city or new road signs. But when the fear of death and the roadblocks are no more, you notice the potholes on those roads. What is next needed is a concrete road. Once concrete roads are given to the entire country and the roads are properly carpeted one notices the absence of modern signboards. When these are completed we seek roads with more lanes for traffic. 
 
The expectations in a free country are also like this. The more freedom is obtained; the people expect a more advanced life.
 
Friends
 
If you count the decades from 1948 to 58, and onwards, there is no doubt that the decade of freedom from 2008 to 2018 will become the greatest era in our country. It is in this decade that we gave full meaning and content to the statement by Mr. D. S. Senanayake at the time of independence that “freedom was obtained to reduce sorrow and increased happiness.”
 
Friends
 
We are a nation that has suffered immensely for freedom. All political parties in this country should understand this. It is not only the Government, but the Opposition too has the responsibility to safeguard this freedom we have won. Protecting the country and building reconciliation is not support extended to the Government or the Opposition. It is support given to the country. It is doing one’s duty by the land of one’s birth. 
 
Friends,
 
It is necessary that I place before the world a reference in Buddhist teaching about the value of freedom. In preaching to a young Brahmana named Ambatta, the Buddha related the example of Gomariththa to show the importance of being able to live freely even under the most trying conditions. 
 
The bird refer to Kata Kirilli, commonly known in villages as Gomariththa (common wagtail) is found in paddy fields that builds its nets under the mud raised by ploughing the filed. The Kata Kirilli too should have the freedom to live within its nest the way it wishes. The Sri Lankan people are also entitled to this freedom. Therefore the people of my country should have the right to live freely. 
 
Wish you a bright and prosperous future!


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  Comments - 73

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  • buruwa Monday, 04 February 2013 12:56 PM

    If he delivers same speech in UN , everybody will leave the assembly hall except Sri Lankan Deligation. After coming back to Sri Lanka , they will say whole world is afraid of our King & they all ran away because our king is supreme in the world

    JAYA WEWA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Innocent Public Monday, 04 February 2013 03:54 PM

    Thanks, Mr. Lalith Weerathunga for great draft :)

    ling Monday, 04 February 2013 03:07 PM

    Those who choose not to understand this speech is pathetic.

    man hatton Monday, 04 February 2013 03:00 PM

    Look at the passion when Obama delivered his speech. Where this guy stands? He is king to his VILLAGE BANDAS like you.

    man hatton Monday, 04 February 2013 02:53 PM

    I know some said MR father of the nation, now the same guys ready to throw rotten egg at him. I feel so sorry at both of them.

    LBJ Monday, 04 February 2013 02:50 PM

    Soldier on to an abyss. Like Pol Pot, Gadaffy, Saddam, Mubarak, Assad and the list goes on....

    Lion Monday, 04 February 2013 01:14 PM

    As said you are a real Rowdy !!

    Ravi Perera Monday, 04 February 2013 01:14 PM

    He's just wasting our money and giving big taks...

    Muslim Monday, 04 February 2013 01:10 PM

    Long Live President !!! , speech of the Generation !!! Well done

    aroosh Monday, 04 February 2013 12:57 PM

    Before ask others please respect the own country constitution and the law

    ambaruwa Monday, 04 February 2013 04:04 PM

    President Mahinda Rajapaksha is a real hero for me

    kaputakukula Monday, 04 February 2013 12:51 PM

    "The devil is preaching theology".
    By the way, who wrote the speech, any guess? - certainly not him.

    GC Monday, 04 February 2013 12:46 PM

    The more responsible countries borrow only what they can pay later.

    Shukri Doha Monday, 04 February 2013 12:42 PM

    dont creat racisam like sending village bandas comments like you bandas only creating ethinic problem in sri lanka be best human be best sri lankan to make world best country to live otherwise like you banda drink poision
    row rathna

    Shukri Doha Monday, 04 February 2013 12:43 PM

    dont creat racisam like sending village bandas comments like you bandas only creating ethinic problem in sri lanka be best human be best sri lankan to make world best country to live otherwise like you banda drink poision
    row rathna

    GC Monday, 04 February 2013 12:40 PM

    Did the government not prevent the ex-CJ of India and 3 other famous judges from coming to the country on 1st Feb by refusing VISAs? Intelligent people and developed nations look at actions more than the utterances. So, there is no point to invitng critics to the country now. Those people will find it difficult to accept our leaders' word by looking at their actions.

    mike Monday, 04 February 2013 12:35 PM

    Truth is hidden the actual is thuggery, cheating , extortion , no law and order in the country, bunch of culprits are ruling the Country --- Shame on you MR -- The UN or the big Powers should immediately intervene and put and end to the suffering of people in Sri Lanka

    Ryan Monday, 04 February 2013 12:35 PM

    and myself

    Ryan Monday, 04 February 2013 12:31 PM

    What you say about UN, Israel has already proved by its actions

    Somapala Monday, 04 February 2013 07:31 PM

    Karunka
    You may me having much experience in that practice. as you are already doing what you say.

    The cool guy Tuesday, 05 February 2013 07:22 AM

    He is the president, learn to respest

    Ann Tuesday, 05 February 2013 06:59 AM

    Practice what you preach sir

    Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 05 February 2013 02:11 AM

    Some people can't stomach for reasons best known for them. Hate comments are the order of the day. I don't say every thing is tickety- boo. But isn't there positives too?

    Kiwi Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:35 AM

    Does SL obey the UN charter???????

    pasel Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:35 AM

    Mahinda Chinthana has a secret code

    Mahinda belieives Chin (than) a Western world

    tamarila Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:29 AM

    oh man your guys still sleeping !!!!!

    ponil Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:22 AM

    We r all in a one nation with out race /religion,differnces, ponils r d problem,,traitors,+sour grapes,,

    Karunka Monday, 04 February 2013 12:34 PM

    If this speech was delivered by a president of any other country, many of great commentators here not only appreciate it but willing lick his/her ass (butt) very happily.

    Pasel Monday, 04 February 2013 07:27 PM

    This new Mahinda Chinthana
    The old one took U turn after the US officials visit

    Kumudu Monday, 04 February 2013 07:15 PM

    .Foreign debts should be to develop the country. Not to spend and make just a group rich

    rumi Monday, 04 February 2013 06:55 PM

    you are correct mr president- but you must respect the rights of minorities in their own country-SRI LANKA.

    Jagath Leanage Monday, 04 February 2013 06:09 PM

    katen da katha karanne?

    Ampattan Monday, 04 February 2013 05:49 PM

    Sir, UN will not interfere with our country as long as our country is ruled democratically. Sir, Do you reaaly mean to say our country is ruled by your family democractically. If you say "YES" then foreign countries are not allowed to interfere with us.

    RKO Monday, 04 February 2013 04:56 PM

    Awesome
    president
    mark my word he's gonna lead SL to destruction

    Patnall Monday, 04 February 2013 04:38 PM

    Before respecting UN Charter our rulers should respect our own laws. Then there won't be so called interference from outside!

    Pink Panther Monday, 04 February 2013 04:21 PM

    How can a country celebrate Independence when it is in debt up to the neck. I do not think any sensible citizen will celebrate his or her birthday if he or she is in debt up to their necks.

    Pink Panther Monday, 04 February 2013 06:39 AM

    There is also a "Universal Declaration of Human Right". Please have a read.

    Fairose Monday, 04 February 2013 08:31 AM

    But we can break the laws and violate constitution.

    Nithya Monday, 04 February 2013 08:27 AM

    When people are oppressed in a country, who else will speak for them?

    Jagath Leanage Monday, 04 February 2013 08:23 AM

    Yes agreed. But isnt there anything mention with UN Charter about the independent of JUDICIARY?

    firefox Monday, 04 February 2013 08:15 AM

    What independence??
    Even the judiciary does not have Independence!
    People of Sri Lanka are not free.

    suranjith Monday, 04 February 2013 07:28 AM

    I am fed up these speeches always talk bad & wrong about others without correcting self wrong

    DOTS Monday, 04 February 2013 07:20 AM

    Today world is on Global debt!! tell me a nation which is not having a debt ? without debt you can not develop the country !! unless you ready to eat Mayoka and Bathala only.

    Mason Monday, 04 February 2013 06:58 AM

    As the leader of the country you set an example and follow the UN charter in all respects.

    sgn Monday, 04 February 2013 06:50 AM

    We need UN and other International countries when we need money only?

    Fairose Monday, 04 February 2013 08:34 AM

    Mr.President, What charter you followed to impeach the chief justice when the supreme court ordered the PSC findings are null and void?

    Mason Monday, 04 February 2013 06:35 AM

    There is much more said in the UN Charter than interference in another country's affairs. I

    meenavan Monday, 04 February 2013 06:30 AM

    Mr president respect the public opinion reduce the cabinet portfolio and save public money...

    J.D Monday, 04 February 2013 06:02 AM

    Good speech.... Please SIr, practice what you preach.........

    Kumara Monday, 04 February 2013 05:49 AM

    However, when they try to come we will stop them by not issuing them with visas.

    sri lankan Monday, 04 February 2013 05:41 AM

    Videsha ratwawal walin ganna naya athhituwanna maha rajathumeni , obathumage aashcharya dala boattuwalin yana ayata danduwam karanna , anith ratwawal walata ape ratei neethi garuka bawaya saha doooshanaya nethi janathawa wenuwen sevaya karana oba thumage mathi amathiwarun gen egenaganna kiyanna ,

    suba anagathayak

    SADDHA. Monday, 04 February 2013 05:37 AM

    TIMELY INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT.

    PRASANNAJIT Monday, 04 February 2013 05:30 AM

    They can come but no visas.

    Jan Chandra Monday, 04 February 2013 05:29 AM

    The country loves you Mr. President and may all Devas be with you to soldier on.

    Mohammed Monday, 04 February 2013 11:00 AM

    Can understand your anger, fustration etc,. I am also in the same boat.

    Yehiya Monday, 04 February 2013 11:51 AM

    Seen any dream last night.

    Shaik Anwar Ahamath Monday, 04 February 2013 11:49 AM

    The President quite rightly bemoans the fact that Sri Lankans have left the country and living abroad. I would add that most of the ones who left were the cream of our society. The educated, left for economic reasons stifled locally by the ethnic conflict. Most of the Tamils left because of their opposition to the LTTE. However his ministers have done very little to encourage these people to return. In fact, they have placed obstacles in their path. E.g. Due to employment reasons, these Sri Lankans had to obtain overseas citizenship, which could be resolved by the granting of Dual Nationality, which almost everyone would embrace but this has been stopped for the last two years and the new proposals, when the applications are reinstated are that the applicants should be interviewed by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapakse.

    man Hatton Monday, 04 February 2013 11:45 AM

    He talking about sovereign nation, who is happy in this sovereign nation accept his own family.

    man Hatton Monday, 04 February 2013 11:44 AM

    qwerty, don't be carried away, today even an ordinary man can give great speech. In his sovereign state, how many people are happy.?

    praveen Monday, 04 February 2013 11:40 AM

    can you repeat the same speech at the UN? I don't think you or any politicians in SL have the balls to do it ... Poor people going for a ride for centuries I wonder why they don't get fed up!

    Budhist Monday, 04 February 2013 11:36 AM

    Well done president.You are the only president with a back bone unlike the others. Long live sir. God bless you

    Ami Monday, 04 February 2013 11:36 AM

    Don't know whether his talking from the mouth ! When UN people try to visit, either their visas getting denied or intimidate ! Now go and tell all the gullible villagers something else !

    Game Kolla Monday, 04 February 2013 10:59 AM

    This country borrowed money from IMF....all developed rich countries funded IMF....therefore all those countries has a right to enquire how these money has been used and what purpose.

    qwerty Monday, 04 February 2013 05:17 AM

    great speech Mr. President!

    Shukri Doha Monday, 04 February 2013 10:54 AM

    Mr President my personal openion your the Great Leader at all Time in sri lankan History i salute you and my nation too please mr president wipe of the racial ethinic minded element in our great nation to make paradise our country HAPPY INDEPANDANCE DAY FOR ALL my sinhala muslim hindu christian brothers in Sri lanka all over the world

    Nodrog Monday, 04 February 2013 10:51 AM

    qwerty, MR is the very one isolating us globally by his pig-headed actions. This speech is only good for the ignorant and gullible masses.

    Hasitha Monday, 04 February 2013 10:46 AM

    nidahasa??? bambuwa

    Southerner Monday, 04 February 2013 10:46 AM

    Bitter irony is, a couple of months back educated people of all walks in this country quoting the country’s constitution urged executive and legislature to respect it. Such repeated requests were flatly denied and today HE the President quoting the UN charter urges the international community to respect it. What goes around comes around, it says . . .

    GSK Monday, 04 February 2013 10:33 AM

    respect who?? first we should leard to respect other, please dont misslead people by giving fancy talks!!

    galapitamada Monday, 04 February 2013 10:04 AM

    Well said sir and more importantly maintain our constitutional policies as well although automatically adherence to the constitutions of international bodies is also important.

    Naufar Ali Monday, 04 February 2013 09:34 AM

    Wish you all a happy 'Independence Day'

    Rowdy Rathana Monday, 04 February 2013 09:24 AM

    Great speech for jokers like you.
    He is fooling the village bandas and you aploud.
    Wait till the security counsel get involved to show the interference.


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