Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo met Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama today. Minister Bogollagama is currently in Singapore to attend the Shangri-la Dialogue. Both Ministers exchanged views on bilateral issues and discussed the latest developments in Sri Lanka. During the meeting, Minister Yeo made the following points on the situation in Sri Lanka:
· Singapore is relieved to see an end to the long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka. The conflict had taken a great toll on the country. Not only have tens of thousands of lives been lost, but hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan civilians have also been displaced from their homes.
· The final cessation of military operations by the Sri Lankan Government provides a short window of opportunity to close a sad chapter of history and quickly begin a process of genuine national healing and reconciliation. A long term agreement taking into full consideration the interests of all communities within Sri Lanka must be forged and implemented to ensure a lasting peace.
· Singapore welcomes Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's address to the Sri Lankan Parliament on 19 May, in which he had pledged that a political solution should be "a solution acceptable to all sections of the people". President Mahinda Rajapakse has also taken it as his duty and responsibility to protect the Tamil-speaking people. In addition, he has promised that all people of Sri Lanka should live with equal rights, in safety and without fear and suspicion.
· Singapore remains deeply concerned over the humanitarian situation and hopes no effort will be spared to assist the many internally-displaced persons in Sri Lanka. Singapore had earlier contributed US$30,000 in emergency relief through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Singapore is ready to offer further assistance. The Singapore Government will support the Singapore Red Cross which is going to launch a public appeal for donations to assist the internally-displaced persons in Sri Lanka.
· Singapore wishes Sri Lanka well as it undertakes the difficult task of rebuilding the country.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
29 MAY 2009