West now supporting Lanka

7 June 2010 07:30 am

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the unfavorable attitude towards Sri Lanka was fast changing with the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund now looking at Sri Lanka in a friendlier manner.

He made these comments at the island wide Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) meeting held at Temple Trees in connection with the ‘Swarna Thilina’ felicitation ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the president’s entry to parliament.

President Rajapaksa said earlier a concerted effort was made by sections of the international community and some local politicians to stop the flow of aid to Sri Lanka and prevent the GSP+ facility being extended.

“I am aware that even some members of the cabinet are criticizing the government probably because they have not received what they expected. Sometimes they blame the trade minister when prices of essential commodities escalate. They blame the agriculture minister when farmers cannot sell their paddy. This may be how they express their frustrations. But it is not the way they must protect the government and the party. You must be aware of collective responsibility for what they do as members of the Cabinet and the SLFP. Collective responsibility is the key word in governance and party politics,” President Rajapaksa said. 

He said the government was able to overcome this hegemony and misinformation exerted from within and outside the country through the strength provided by members.

“I had to face numerous drawbacks and adversaries during my 40-year political career but I never for a moment thought of deserting the party despite the many attempts to sideline me. If you stick by the party and remain loyal I have no doubt that the party will safeguard your interests. So be loyal to the party you have chosen and stick with it. You will be the ultimate winner sooner or later,” the president said.