UN Address - Lakshman Kadirgamar, 1996

Democracy, Sri Lanka style...

Address by Lakshman Kadirgamar
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister
49th Session of UN General assembly
26 September 1996

" I, as a representative of the minority Tamil community said, and I shall repeat it here in this supreme parliament of the peoples of the world: 'Let it never be said, if it could ever have been said, that the Sinhala people are racists. They are not. They are absolutely not, and I think this election has demonstrated that so handsomely that that particular argument can be laid to rest for ever."

Mr President,

First, let me offer you, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, warm congratulations on your election to the Presidency of this, the 49th Session of the General Assembly. We wish you an eminently successful tenure of that high office.

Sri Lanka would also wish to express its gratitude to Ambassador Samuel InsanaIly of Guyana for his exceptionally creative conduct of the work of the crucial 48th Session. Our good wishes extend to His Excellency Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of this Organization who must contend with increasingly challenging tasks at a time when the United Nations is undergoing major transformation.

Mr. President, in Sri Lanka the winds of change are blowing. We in our country stand on the threshold of a new era of tolerance and peace, ending dissension. In August this year, the Peoples' Alliance was voted to office after 17 years in opposition in a parliamentary general election which was internationally acclaimed as both free and fair. At this election - Sri Lanka's 9th since independence -the people voted overwhelmingly, reaffirming their faith in parliamentary democracy, in fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Of the registered electorate, 76.2 per cent cast their vote, thus maintaining Sri Lanka's long tradition of high political consciousness and model election procedures.

What happened on 16th August in my country was more than the routine exercise of the ballot to change a Government. In an election atmosphere in which conflicting views were given full rein, the Sri Lanka voter remained mature, calm and solidly entrenched in our cultural and democratic values. The result of the poll was therefore a victory for moderation, tolerance and unity. In my first speech, one month ago, in our newly elected Parliament, I, as a representative of the minority Tamil community said, and I shall repeat it here in this supreme parliament of the peoples of the world: 'Let it never be said, if it could ever have been said, that the Sinhala people are racists. They are not. They are absolutely not, and I think this election has demonstrated that so handsomely that that particular argument can be laid to rest for ever.'

Under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, a peaceful transition of power has been effected, defying the cynical predictions of some. Our nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage, steeped in the great religions of the world and buttressed' by a unique foundation of five legal systems, has enabled this triumph of democratic expression.

Sri Lanka's new Government reflects the multi- ethnic, multi-religious fabric of its society. In Parliament, the Government has the support of a number of political parties, including those of the Tamil and Muslim communities. it is, therefore, well poised to bring an end to the conflict in the North-East part of the country through political negotiations, as mandated by the people. Prime Minister Bandarnaike Kumaratunga in her first address to the nation on assuming office stated:

"We extend a hand of friendship to the people of the North-East and hope that their leaders would take it in the same spirit that we have extended it".

The, relaxation of the ban on certain essential items going to conflict areas and the reciprocal release of policemen held by the secessionist movement are hopeful signs of peace in our land. The State of Emergency in all-Island has been lifted and re-introduced only in the conflict areas. Our Government will pursue with determination its quest for peace in our land - a just and stable peace, acceptable to all our people - undeterred by any setbacks that might be encountered in pursuit of its goal.

Mr. President, I seek the indulgence of this Assembly for having dwelt on recent developments in my country at some length. I did so because at a time when in some parts of the world the ugly tide of intolerance is rising, we in Sri Lanka take pride that we have witnessed a vindication of the values of tolerance and principled conduct over the forces of narrow sectarianism and opportunism. Our recent experience might fortify the efforts to banish prejudice and rancour among peoples elsewhere.

On the international scene there have been shining' examples of prolonged and bitter confrontation being dispelled through dialogue and negotiation. Thus, we welcome wholeheartedly the end of apartheid and the establishment of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa under the inspired, and inspiring, leadership of President Mandela.

We also welcome the positive developments in Palestine subsequent to the recent agreements between the PLO and Israel and Jordan and Israel, while expressing our concern over those issues that still remain unsettled.

On the other hand, to our deep regret Bosnia-Herzegovina is still mired in bloodshed and violence and the humanitarian crisis in Rwanda has not abated. We reiterate our hope that the intense suffering and dislocation in those countries can be halted through negotiated settlement between the parties concerned and politically disinterested efforts by the international community.

Mr. President, Sri Lanka's strong and positive identification with the Non-Aligned Movement began in Belgrade in 1961 when Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was Prime Minister. She was Head of Government when Sri Lanka hosted the historic 1976 Summit. Our membership of this Movement then as now, derives from our deep conviction that its principles empower the dispossessed of this world, giving them dignity and hope for justice. The collapse of the bipolarismimposed on the post World War II international scene is thus no reason for non-alignment to lie passive.

At the Non-Aligned Ministerial Conference in Cairo, we were proud to welcome South Africa as the 110th member of the Movement. It is significant that this great nation emerging from the long, dark night of apartheid has chosen to adopt the principles of nonalignment. Cynics have predicted that the Movement will sooner or later join the rubble of the Berlin Wall. In our view, the end of the cold war does not negate the rationale of Non-Alignment. On the contrary, it vindicates the fundamental Non-Aligned principle that military confrontation cannot promote security, stability nor' peace among nations. Principles, Mr. President, are. indestructible: people who believe in them are indomitable.

There seemed a unique opportunity at the end of the Cold War for the world to achieve its long pursued objective of general and complete disarmament under effective verification, especially in the crucial area of nuclear weapons. Despite the substantial achievements we have witnessed in this area, that common objective remains elusive. Competing efforts by some to maintain a monopoly of nuclear weapons and, by others to break it, frustrate our quest for nuclear disarmament. Only the total prohibition of nuclear weapons, as with chemical weapons, can give the international community the moral right to preach general prescriptions on how nations should exercise their inalienable right to self-defence within civilized norms and the framework of international law.

Mr. President, Sri Lanka is deeply conscious of the serious responsibility we undertake in presiding over the 1995 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty Review/Extension Conference. It is imperative that our advance towards a nuclear weapon free world make substantial progress To that end, work in the Conference on Disarmament towards a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is encouraging, though we must remain vigilant over any attempts to delay the conclusion of the Treaty. In other areas of disarmament Sri Lanka recently ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention which we hope will come into force 1

As we see the end of the nuclear arms race we do not want to have it replaced by regional arms races whether to acquire nuclear weapon capability or to achieve greater sophistication in conventional weapons. The UN Arms Register is but a step on a long road towards transparency and confidence-building, eliminating the arms bazaar with its links to terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Mr. President, throughout the course of Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea which spanned a decade, Sri Lanka has prayed a constructive and creative role. The pioneering role played by the late Ambassador Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka, President of the Law of the Sea Conference and a former President of this Assembly, is part of the history of this unique endeavour.

Sri Lanka has ratified the UN Convention on they Law of the Sea which has now entered into force, and has signed the Agreement relating to implementation of Part XI of the Convention. This represents our continuing commitment to the creation of a new legal regime of the oceans. Sri Lanka looks forward to participate in the historic inaugural -session of the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica.

Mr. President, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean, taking into account emerging realities has developed a fresh basis for a pragmatic, forward looking approach to peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean area. We call upon the countries concerned, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council and other major maritime users of the Indian Ocean, to enter into a-serious and productive dialogue for a new partnership in the context of the Committee. .

As the Law of the Sea Convention enters into force greater support needs to be extended to regional initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Marine Affairs Co-operation (IOMAC) promoting co-operation between the developed and developing countries.

Mr. President, as the United Nations approaches its 50th anniversary, there is increasing, and more extensive, resort to multilateral action through the Organisation. The Security Council is finally playing the role - and sometimes goes beyond the role - that had originally been envisaged for it under the Charter. Yet we must continue to reiterate, Mr. President, that foresight and careful assessment is vital in the preparation for any Council intervention, and that such action should only be pursued with the consent and cooperation of the States concerned.

Furthermore, it is important, Mr. President, to emphasize that the Security Council acts on behalf of the general membership of the United Nations. Unless its actions are based on the widest possible support, Council decisions will not be universally respected nor be truly effective. In this context Sri Lanka is of the view that Council membership should be increased to provide for wider representation, including for developing countries. Sri Lanka was honoured to co-chair the working group for the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, including the strengthening of the nexus between the Assembly and the Security Council. We believe the approach we have taken to enhance transparency and encourage democratic practices is one which is shared by the vast majority of developing countries. We feel this process should be moved forward.

It was in this context that in April 1993, Sri Lanka announced its candidature for the 1996/1997 non permanent Asian seat in the Security Council which by practice of orderly rotation is due to the South Asian sub-region.

Mr. President, Sri Lanka is particularly conscious of its identity as a small state, vulnerable to the ebb and flow of international tides, both political and economic. Yet we have not hesitated to take principled stands when we must. Nor will we shirk our responsibility to act in solidarity with other developng countries. We share their problems and concerns.

Sri Lanka is geo-politically and culturally an Asian country. We rejoice over the fact that our continent, after centuries of dependence is once mare resurgent, politically stable and economically 'Vibrant. This has been achieved largely through self-reliance, indigenous entrepreneurship and the Asian value systems. As we move at the global level to greater interdependence and interaction, Sri Lanka will remain firmly focused on the Asian experience and her Asian context. We will spare no effort to develop and strengthen our ties with our Asian neighbours. An express commitment to pursue the interests we share with the family of Asian nations will be a new, strong thrust in the foreign policy of our Government.

It is in that same spirit that we participated in the launching of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). We are encouraged by the positive developments in SAARC as it journeys into the 21st century, propelled by two important trends in the region: democratisation and the adoption of market friendly economic policies. Understanding among the peoples of the region is increasing. Contacts between professional bodies in the region have rapidly gathered momentum.

As a region severely affected by poverty, we in South Asia have already taken steps to share our experiences and work out common approaches including the SAARC commitment to eradicate poverty by the year 2002.

Absolute poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy stalk, one fifth of the world's population. As the Secretary-General himself has noted: 'There can be no more urgent task for development than to attack both the cause and the symptoms of these ills'. We trust that the 1.995 World Social Summit and the Agenda for Development, will effectively address these issues and mobilize essential resources to back commitments to eradicate poverty, provide employment, and promote social cohesion before the end of this century.

Mr. President, our development experience has taught us the importance of alleviating the poverty of the poorest and of maintaining social equity with economic growth. Lanka's favourable social indicators are the result of a consistent bipartisan commitment over the years to maintaining a high level of social expenditure. A number of income transfer measures are in place and are indispensable to protect the vulnerable segments of the population during a period of structural adjustment aimed at accelerating economic growth.

We are particularly mindful of the need to pay attention to our youth. We do not lose sight of the important fact that youth comprise over 50% of the world's population. In 1995, when we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Youth Year, it would be timely to focus on the achievements of the decade and on further imperatives to advance the prospects for youth. The former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka took the initiative at the Commonwealth Summit in Cyprus to focus special attention on youth issues. Subsequently, the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned held in Cairo supported the proposal to convene a special plenary meeting of this Assembly at the highest political level devoted to youth affairs at the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Mr. President, I must also stress my Government's commitment to provide a transparent system for the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of a truly vital democracy. During our recent election campaign, we promised our people that we would, as a matter of the highest priority, take steps to establish where necessary, and strengthen where possible, a legislative framework to promote and protect the full for enjoyment of human rights. Within five weeks of assuming office we have prepared for submission to Parliament legislation to give effect to the Convention against Torture. Legislation will be introduced before the end of this year for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission. This Commission will have judicial and investigative powers and will be totally independent of the Executive.

In addition, Mr. President, I have appointed, from among persons active in working for human rights through independent non governmental organisations, six outstanding national experts with international credentials to assist me with their knowledge and views. They serve in an individual capacity and or an honorary basis. Their appointment in no way precludes them from continuing to engage in their public campaigning for human rights including commenting On or criticising governmental performance in this area. Their appointment is further evidence of the Government's firm commitment to the conduct of open and transparent government.

Mr. President, at the international level we are of the view that human rights should not become an arena for North-South confrontation and that no country should be singled out for hostile attention on grounds other than a genuine concern for the human rights of their citizens. .The scrutiny of a country's human rights record must be guided by principles of impartiality and objectivity. Such scrutiny must be motivated by a spirit of genuine concern, dialogue and cooperation. In this connection we wish to felicitate the considerable cost; yet these policies will be successful only to the extent that there is a genuine commitment to free trade policies at the international level without extraneous conditionalities.

Mr. President, today Sri Lanka commemorates the 35th death anniversary of the late Mr. S.W.R. D. Bandaranaike, former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He was succeeded by Madam Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world's first woman Prime Minister. Now thirty eight years later their daughter, Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has become Prime Minister. What is remarkable is that each of them was elected to office by the free vote of the people in keenly fought elections. In 1956 irk this same hall, Prime Minister, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike referred to the unconquered, unconquerable human spirit as the "one golden thread" passing through the "dark fabric of human history". He said that "I look upon the United Nations as the one machine available to mankind today through which it can express this unconquerable spirit of man in its efforts to achieve peace, friendship and collaboration". That remains, Mr. President, our view of the United Nations today.

Let me conclude Mr. President. We collectively articulate a global social contract between the Governments and the peoples of this world whom we represent. The success of a global social contract rests on how individual States keep the people's faith through good governance, the maintenance of human rights, equity and justice and the provision of opportunities to enhance the quality of life. These same principles must concomitantly be observed in relations between States. Only then, Mr. President, would the United Nations truly be "a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations".

I thank you, Mr. President, and distinguished delegates for the courtesy of your attention.