Security tight as Clinton visits Sri Lanka to review tsunami reconstruction Anti-terrorist commandoes in armored vehicles joined policemen to ring the perimeter of a soccer field where Bill Clinton's helicopter was set to land in a Muslim-majority Sri Lankan town, as the former U.S. president toured tsunami-hit areas to make sure aid is being distributed properly. Clinton arrived in Sri Lanka - Friday evening on his second visit to this Indian Ocean island since Dec. 26, when massive waves smashed one-third of the country's coast, killing at least 31,000 people and displacing another 1 million.
Kalmunai is in one of the hardest-hit areas.
During his tour, Clinton hopes to promote ``transparency and accountability'' measures to ensure aid resources are used fairly, ``while retaining the engagement of the millions of investors in this operation,'' according to a statement released before his arrival.
``He is committed to keeping the world's attention focused on the tsunami recovery,'' said Jehane Sedky-Lavandero, the press officer for the Office of the Special Envoy of Tsunami Recovery.
Sri Lanka - says it has received more than US$3 billion (euro2.39 billion) in pledges and commitments for post-tsunami rehabilitation and reconstruction. But the government is far behind schedule in providing permanent homes for the displaced.
The government-run Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency says the number of homeless has fallen from 900,000 immediately after the disaster to 40,000 now but that is mainly because people have moved in with relatives to escape miserable conditions at relief centers.
The government says it has signed agreements with donor agencies to build 27,000 houses, and has pledges for 90,000 in total. But only 119 have been completed, and work to build 5,000 more has just begun.
Clinton traveled to Sri Lanka - from southern India, where he met with tsunami survivors in the hard-hit district of Nagapattinam.
After his Sri Lanka - tour, he will head to the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, where the tsunami killed 82 people. He will end his trip with a visit to Indonesia, the worst-hit country.
Clinton last visited Sri Lanka - in February with another former U.S. president, George H.W. Bush.
Singapore ex-convicts to help tsunami victims in Sri Lanka , report says
A group ex-convicts from Singapore left for Sri Lanka - to provide humanitarian support to tsunami victims, news reports said Saturday. ``This program is proving to be effective,'' said the leaders of one of the two teams to Sri Lanka - , Assistant-Superintendent Mark Galistan. The first team left on Friday while the other is due to depart on June 6. Calls to prison officials rang unanswered Saturday.
LTTE Uses Terrorism to achieve its Political Goals - President Bush U.S. President George W. Bush says the United States and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close relations based on common support for the values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and free trade. Sri Lanka has faced great challenges since its independence in 1948, most significantly a separatist conflict with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which uses terrorism to achieve its political goals. He said " No political objectives can justify the use of terror against innocent civilians. A solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement. He said ". The United States supports Sri Lanka's peace process and a solution that respects Sri Lanka's unity and sovereignty. The cease-fire
signed in 2002 opened the possibility of peaceful settlement of Sri Lanka's conflict. Unfortunately that process has stalled. The United States urges all parties in Sri Lanka to reengage with the peace process and reach a final settlement."
He made this observation in remarks exchanged at the formal ceremony where Sri Lanka's newly appointed Ambassador to the US, Bernard A.B. Goonetilleke, presented his Letter of Credence at the Oval Office of the White House, on Thursday. The President also said "Sri Lanka over the years has achieved commendable success in quality of life despite terrorism and the challenges of development" and that " if peace is achieved, Sri Lanka has the potential to end poverty and expand economic opportunity. Sri Lanka's highly educated
population, if mobilized, could expand trade and create new industries in the technology sector. Sri Lanka's highly educated population, if mobilized, could expand trade and create new industries in the technology sector. Completing the task of economic reform has the potential to turn Sri Lanka into a regional trade hub, one that could transform Sri Lanka and provide for all Sri Lankans a secure and prosperous future. Sri Lanka had only begun the long road of recovery from decades of warfare and terrorism when it was struck by the tsunami of December 26, 2004. Americans are a caring people, and all Americans were touched by this tragedy. The United States has joined the international community in a commitment to help rebuild after this disaster. I recently signed into law legislation providing funds for this recovery effort. However, beyond the United States Government contribution to reconstruction are contributions from thousands of private Americans."
Thanking the US President Ambassador Goonetilleke said "For nearly two decades, Sri Lanka had to endure the devastating effects of terrorism silently and alone. In recent years, terrorism has become a global phenomenon compelling the attention of the entire international community. Whether terrorism strikes in Colombo, New York, Madrid or Beslan, as we have witnessed in the recent past, victims of terrorism are by and large innocent civilians and perpetrators are ruthless individuals or groups, who wish to impose their will on others with no regard for human life and democratic
rights of people. We remain steadfast in our support in the battle against global terrorism and are confident that the strong support the United States is giving to bring an end to terrorism in Sri Lanka will be continued." He also said "Sri Lanka is happy to be recognized as a "good partner of the
United States", on the basis of the policies followed in promoting good governance, investing in people, promoting economic freedom and democracy. These attributes have enabled Sri Lanka to be among the first 16 countries selected for funding under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) for FY
2004. We are further encouraged by our subsequent eligibility for MCA assistance in FY 2005." "The close relations we enjoy are also reflected in the development assistance we receive from the USA, which has contributed considerably in improving the lives of our people. Similarly, we are appreciative of the ongoing cooperation in the defence field." added Goonetillke
