I made promise to public, not to int’l community-MR

30 June 2013 05:57 pm - 72 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While claiming that elections for the Northern Provincial Council will be held this year as scheduled, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that he has made the promise to the Sri Lankan people but not to the international community.

“Elections to the Northern Provincial Councils will be held this year. I have made the promise to the people of my country, not to the international community,” the President revealed during a meeting with Seychelles President James Michel.

Issuing a statement after the official meeting between President Rajapaksa and his counterpart yesterday the President said, “…also elaborated on the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. The government had so far spent USD 300 million only for the development of North.

Full statement

Sri Lanka and Seychelles signed three agreements today (30) following bilateral discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is currently on a two-day state visit to Seychelles and his Seychelles counterpart James Alix Michel. The agreements signed were bilateral air-service agreement, MOU on vocational training and youth development and MOU on defense cooperation between the two countries.

Bilateral discussions between the leaders of Sri Lanka and Seychelles were held at the State House in Seychelles. “May the cooperation between our two countries be an example to the world. Both our countries are island nations. “Therefore we must make sure our voice is heard. We have already set an example in the area of climate change. We can be a role model to the world,” President of Seychelles James Alix Michel said during the discussion.

President Rajapaksa's visit laid a solid foundation to the bilateral relation between Sri Lanka and Seychelles; President Michel said adding that President Rajapaksa is an exemplary leader. While commending Sri Lanka for progressing on the path of reconciliation under the leadership of President Rajapaksa, the Seychelles President said there is an immense opportunity for economic and trade relations between the two countries at a time Africa is opening up.

Visit to Sri Lanka by President Michel was a landmark in bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Seychelles, President Rajapaksa said. It is a great honor to be the first Sri Lankan leader to visit Seychelles, he added. President Rajapaksa was of the view that visits of this nature will further enhance south-south cooperation. President while noting a positive growth in trade between the two countries announced that a branch of Bank of Ceylon will be open in Seychelles. Commencing direct flights between Sri Lanka and Seychelles is specially important because it paves the way to consolidate the friendship between peoples of two the countries.

Apprising his Seychelles counterpart of the current situation in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa said “now the 30-year long war is over. Sri Lanka now enjoys durable peace and stability.” He explained the activities relating to resettlement of the Internally Displaces Persons in the North of Sri Lanka, restoration of infrastructure facilities destroyed by terrorists, rehabilitation and reintegration of combatants, releasing child soldiers just after a month with the end of the conflict and various ongoing development projects after the end of the conflict.

President Rajapaksa also elaborated on the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. The government had so far spent USD 300 million only for the development of North. “Elections to the Northern Provincial Councils will be held this year. I have made the promise to the people of my country, not to the international community,” he added.

The discussion also focused on several other areas of mutual interest including fisheries, education, culture, tourism, health and renewable energy. President Michel commended the assistance of Sri Lanka in recruiting teachers and said Sri Lanka provides “best teachers.”

When President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka awaits to welcome Seychelles to CHOGM 2013, President Michel said “Sri Lanka is a true and sincere friend. We will continue to support you at international fora.”

Vice President of Seychelles Danny Faure and several other ministers, and Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Public Relations & Public Affairs Mervyn Silva, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin Vaas De Gunawardena, Members of Parliament Lohan Ratwatte and Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal were also present at the discussion.

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Comments - 72

Nihal Amarasekera Monday, 01 July 2013 06:57 AM

Correct.

LTTE will still be running amok if the election promise of abolishing Presidency was carried out. Certain broken promises, even with selfish intentions, stood for the benefit of the country that is Sri Lanka.

Thomas Monday, 01 July 2013 09:01 AM

MR. is taking for the International Community or The gullible Sri Lankan people?

peter Monday, 01 July 2013 08:04 AM

Be sincere Mr President, you had to make more doable promises to Indian govt than the hapless SL people.

surain lal Monday, 01 July 2013 07:26 AM

we sick of your statements and attitude

sach Monday, 01 July 2013 07:25 AM

how did an executive presidency help defeat LTTE?

Seriously Monday, 01 July 2013 07:17 AM

Nevermind the Shandy, I guess the drink is working perfectly for you :)

Seriously Monday, 01 July 2013 07:15 AM

My answer is, to keep the promises to People, you also need to get the support of the International community. We are not alone in this planet. It is a matter for Human Race as a whole and not Singhalees or Sri Lankans for that matter.

kautilya Monday, 01 July 2013 07:07 AM

Is he fit to be a Head of a State. He is blatantly insulting the people of this country. No wonder why he has become a laughing stock to the international community.

mano Monday, 01 July 2013 07:01 AM

yes you are a one person for suitable carry on this nation.

MR Monday, 01 July 2013 09:47 AM

LTTE is no more da...
Abolish the presidency now

සිරා Monday, 01 July 2013 06:39 AM

well done sir...we are always with you......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

පොඩි බණ්ඩා Monday, 01 July 2013 06:37 AM

our nation is free thank to mahinda rajapaksa because he is a great leader ,he was end the war.we must support to the government .we shouldn't be scared because we know few people won't be success in this matter..

Yehiya Monday, 01 July 2013 06:33 AM

Next leader have to spent more to correct the country image.First need the country.Country never(elected) had correct leader at correct time.

Renu Monday, 01 July 2013 06:15 AM

You are gradually becoming a person who cannot be trusted as you have broken the biggest promise of doing away with Excutive pRESIDENCY

Iver Monday, 01 July 2013 06:14 AM

No !! They only need donkeys like to believe whatever comes out of that boneless item located in mouth .. They always say something special to win minds of weak ones and it is always the case that people like you believe them without making your judgement !! Look at how others have commented in this regard and see for yourself !!

Renu Monday, 01 July 2013 06:11 AM

What did yiu tell Manmohan Singh

ANTON Monday, 01 July 2013 06:01 AM

THE MOST NASTY WORD IN THE POLITICS IS "PROMISES"

KaluSudha Monday, 01 July 2013 05:51 AM

U can fool sum ppl all the time, and u can fool all the ppl sum time, but u cant fool all the ppl all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mota Silva Monday, 01 July 2013 01:03 PM

Yes, Yes, his so called promises are not worth even the time we spend to listen or read about ..They have no credibility..to say the least...shamefully disgraceful.

eng Tuesday, 02 July 2013 09:19 AM

International Comunity is subset of Public. In the case of sri lankan public, public is subset of international community!

chuti Tuesday, 02 July 2013 04:43 AM

don't worry Man. Everything will be ok.

Yogi Monday, 01 July 2013 02:54 PM

Dear president who do you think you can easily cheat? is it normal public?

Mike Monday, 01 July 2013 02:28 PM

NOTHING BUT ONLY PROMISES THE BIG LIARS AND CULPRITS -DICTATOR NO LAW NO PRESS FREEDOM ROBS THE INNOCENT -MAY GOD HELP SRILANKA

krishna Monday, 01 July 2013 02:15 PM

He thought world within sri lanka.It is good,he has to make a place like Geneva some where in Hambanthota.

Gobbaya Monday, 01 July 2013 02:12 PM

I agree with you.but it was few years back.not any more.
what really has happend to this great charactor.

TPS Monday, 01 July 2013 01:53 PM

starting with yourself, my dear sir...

Mota perera Monday, 01 July 2013 01:03 PM

Yes, Yes, his so called promises are not worth even the time we spend to listen or read about ..They have no credibility..to say the least...shamefully disgraceful.

Lankan Monday, 01 July 2013 05:48 AM

If you are told that in your own. Why you can keep the northern Election after November?

MATHU Monday, 01 July 2013 12:32 PM

Thanks to spent US$.300 million to develop Northern Province consist of 5 district badly affected by war for more than three decades. But think US$.640 million has been spent for Humbantota Harbor and Airport alone. What a deference and Great discrimination

Rahmathullah M. H. Monday, 01 July 2013 12:26 PM

In a fools' paradise, only a fool can be the king.

abdul Monday, 01 July 2013 12:25 PM

30 years of WAR,for another 30 years spoken in front.from behind play PANDU with poor Srilankans

Grace. Monday, 01 July 2013 12:19 PM

Sir, Please remember that we are in 21st century and people are more intelligent now.

leel Monday, 01 July 2013 11:40 AM

to whoever, all are bogus

Namal Perera Monday, 01 July 2013 11:07 AM

What is the big deal if the promises made are not honoured?

Fairose Monday, 01 July 2013 10:56 AM

He didnt make that promise to the public, he made that to the international community.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 01 July 2013 10:38 AM

Promises are meant to be broken, whether it is to the general public or the international community - especially going by the past record of the President who knows how to get out of any situation by being economical with the truth.

Mr Retort Sunday, 30 June 2013 11:44 PM

All are not bloody fools. What is your 13+ talk.

janak Monday, 01 July 2013 03:11 AM

DID U ABLISHED THE EXECUTIVE PRESEDENCY ?

THAT IS ALSO PUBLIC PROMISE AND NOT TO INT COMMUNITY

meenavn Monday, 01 July 2013 03:06 AM

MR president your Government spent us$300 million only for north development....will you kindly elaborate how much spent on Hambantota.......

MirakRajBanda Monday, 01 July 2013 02:49 AM

Exactly!!! After pressure given by the International Community.....
Even those promises gone with the wind in many occasion.

Zufar Monday, 01 July 2013 02:43 AM

Why did u make us lose three world cups?

Kiwi Monday, 01 July 2013 01:27 AM

Birds of a feather are flocking together!!!

sanaboy Monday, 01 July 2013 01:10 AM

Some one needs solid backbone to said like that

Phantom Monday, 01 July 2013 12:48 AM

Sri Lankan public or Intl. Community, his promises are as good as blowing in the wind!!!

Jagath Monday, 01 July 2013 12:29 AM

Ane da kiyanne, these talks are good for foolish Sri Lankan.

Andrew Pitugala Monday, 01 July 2013 03:12 AM

To whom ever the promise is made. A promise is a PROMISE. It is s word of Honour

Shandy Sunday, 30 June 2013 11:01 PM

Well said Mr. President, you got to keep the Yankees guessing.

MR Sunday, 30 June 2013 10:59 PM

I think we are trying to taste Dhal fry in very near future.

MATHAN Sunday, 30 June 2013 09:33 PM

BECAUSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S PRESSURE ONLY YOU TOLD TO THE SRILANKAN. THAT IS THE TRUTH.

Cholan Sunday, 30 June 2013 09:18 PM

Then why don't you keep the election after CHOGM November?

Hk Sunday, 30 June 2013 07:44 PM

We took money from international

AMG Sunday, 30 June 2013 07:27 PM

Take your promises seriosly because we are getting a little tired of your promises .

zara Monday, 01 July 2013 12:00 AM

broken promise. can you remember your cancellation of executive presidency promise?? via DM Android App

Mr. B. Wijeyasingha Sunday, 30 June 2013 07:06 PM

Sri Lanka has lived up to the term given to her as the "pearl of the orient"

tarzan Monday, 01 July 2013 04:26 AM

then why went genewa

chandi malli Monday, 01 July 2013 05:43 AM

People don't know how to believe you ??

sach Monday, 01 July 2013 05:20 AM

because it is still not november :)

xlntgson Monday, 01 July 2013 05:20 AM

Militarization in the absence of LTTE is an irony, then how do you meet, and win the kitchen war you promised, do you remember?

Gerard Monday, 01 July 2013 05:08 AM

So a promise made to the Sri Lankan public does not matter!

Merry Monday, 01 July 2013 04:42 AM

Which means you can break your promise if you want to since you've made it to the people of the country and not to the international community.

abey Monday, 01 July 2013 04:32 AM

this is the want from any leaders..must only promise to public

chuti Monday, 01 July 2013 04:25 AM

proud to be you are lead us

meenavn Monday, 01 July 2013 04:26 AM

Promise only from the tongue...not from heart...?

raj Sunday, 30 June 2013 06:38 PM

you promised to abolish executive presidency. What happened to it?

Ban Ki Moon Monday, 01 July 2013 04:03 AM

I fell on the ground,but I did not get any sand on my moustasche!

minority Monday, 01 July 2013 03:54 AM

Then you can easily break

Dayasoma Monday, 01 July 2013 03:50 AM

Has he kept any promises he made so far !!

weha Monday, 01 July 2013 03:50 AM

Not to the whole international community not all the people either. just to the goons the Chinese and the Indians

ashoka karuna Monday, 01 July 2013 03:48 AM

what about your promise to abolish the Executive Presidency??!!

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 01 July 2013 03:41 AM

(a) "first Sri Lankan leader to visit Seychelles" because he is not welcome in good democracies anymore. (b) "direct flights between Sri Lanka and Seychelles" where is the business plan or is this rubbish again at public expense (c) "Elections in North...I have made the promise to the people of my country, not to the international community" then why the heck does your envoys reiterate this at the UN, UK, USA and local DPL's?

Crazy Coot Monday, 01 July 2013 03:32 AM

Easier to fool the public, no!?.

OMG Monday, 01 July 2013 03:29 AM

Seychelles has a population of 84,000 and has the highest income inequality in the world: rich are filthy rich and the poor are dirt poor.

I think that's something we could learn from Seychelles.

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I made promise to public, not to int’l community-MR

Comments - 72

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