In conclusion, I will now cite the significant level of global activity carried out for over two decades by the LTTE and the many instances where the LTTE agents have been apprehended in such acts in several countries across the globe. Regrettably there are some quarters in the world which continues to believe in the pretentious of peace proclaimed by the LTT.
The garment of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unambiguously committed to defeat terrorism in all its manifestations. We see no contradiction in dealing firmly with the scourge of terrorism perpetuated by the LTTE even as Government of Sri Lank sees the wall of consensus for a negotiated political settlement to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. It is in such context that the Government of Sri Lanka in recent months have sought to militarily engage the LTTE to convince the group that it cannot expect to achieve a military victory with the exception of a few jungle hide-outs of the LTTE today. Most were the eastern province of Sri Lanka which was until recently terrorised by the LTTE has been rid of this menace.
The security forces and other agency of the garment of Sri Lanka have worked hard to secure the area, and restore normalcy and settle persons who had been temporarily displaced in their own homes. I am sure those of you who are familiar with the difficulties facing carrying on military as well as hearts and minds operations in areas dominated by terrorists would better appreciate the magnitude of the challenge and hence this is why you serve the significance of the successful conclusion of the settlement process of persons in the eastern province of Sri Lanka.
As it has been repeatedly stated, throughout this meeting the fight against terrorism is not something that can be fought single-handedly by affected countries alone. It requires international cooperation.
Sri Lanka remains thankful to the international community for the considerable support so far provided in stemming the tide of terrorism which threatens the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and has caused death, destruction and immense suffering to the people of our country. The support most states represented here extends to Sri Lanka bilaterally to kerb terrorism by the LTTE is deeply appreciated by the Government of Sri Lanka.
It is in the sense that Sri Lanka joined international initiatives such as the container security initiative, the make our ports initiative and the regional cooperation agreement on combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia so that together we address international terrorism.
In conclusion I wish to appeal to those of you associated with the defence establishments in your respective countries who would possibly better appreciate the difficult struggle faced by my country as well as the security ramifications to the world and to the global community that I have outlined to ensure that your Governments remain seized of the complexities the Government of Sri Lanka faces in continuing to keep the LTTE under check.
I ask that the Governments represented by your Excellencies continue to exercise vigilance in order not to permit the LTTE to use your territories or waters to continue terrorising the people of Sri Lanka and that other region and take terrorism to the world at large.
