Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has attributed the resounding success of the 15th SAARC Summit held in Colombo last week to the collective contribution of numerous organisations, agencies and individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty and worked with commitment, dedication and team spirit.
Minister Bogollagama highlighted the success of the Colombo Summit as a clear endorsement of the dynamic leadership provided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has assumed the Chair of this important regional organisation, representing 1/5th of humanity.
In this regard, the Foreign Minister has stated that if not for the efficient and coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Defence, under which the Sri Lanka Police and the three Armed Forces provided effective security cover throughout the duration of the Summit, the Ministry of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, the Colombo Municipal Council and the Sri Jayawardenepura Municipal Council for the enhancement of facilities in Colombo and its environs, the BMICH authorities for the excellent arrangements made to hold the Summit , and the Speaker and the staff of the Parliament for the impeccable preparations for the SAARC Leaders' Retreat, it would not have been possible to achieve this success.
Minister Bogollagama also expressed his thanks to the Department of Government Information and its staff for their efficient handling of the media, both local and foreign, which ensured wide coverage of the Summit and related events for the benefit of the Sri Lankan people as well as the international audience.
In expressing his thanks and appreciation, the Minister said that the Colombo Summit was a historic landmark in the annals of regional cooperation in South Asia. The Summit truly saw the transition of the SAARC to an implementation phase with the blessings of the Heads of State or Government for tangible action in the fight against terrorism and a realistic work plan committing SAARC Member States to undertake projects and implement proposals that have been agreed to, in a meaningful manner, keeping at heart, the people-centric theme of the Colombo Summit i.e. "Partnership for our People".
Minister Bogollagama has conveyed his sincere thanks and personal appreciation to all organisations and individuals for their exemplary support and cooperation in contributing to the success of the Summit, regretting his inability to name and thank them individually. He added that they deserve the highest tribute of the nation. The Foreign Minister noted that Sri Lanka has demonstrated to the world that it can hold its own, on a par with even developed nations in organising a major international event of this scale.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
7th August 2008.