Sri Lanka: Challenges Ahead

The Citi Series on Asian Distinguished Leaders

The Honorable Rohitha Bogollagama.

NEW YORK, May 8, 2008 - With the 2002 ceasefire agreement now officially abandoned amidst escalating violence between the Sri Lanka Security Forces and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), is Sri Lanka returning to the brink of civil war? What is the government's plan for securing a lasting peace? To address these questions, the Asia Society and Citi Foundation hosted a discussion featuring Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Rohitha Bogollagama, in conversation with Asia Society President Vishakha N. Desai.

Despite Sri Lanka's legacy of failed negotiations between the government and LTTE, Minister Bogollagama insisted that the current government of President Rajapaksa is committed to resolving the conflict with a political, rather than military, solution. He outlined the government's "roadmap for sustainable peace," highlighting positive steps forward, such as the formation of the All Party Representative Committee and the upcoming May 10 election in the Eastern Provincial Council. On the economic front, Minister Bogollagama emphasized the resiliency of the economy, citing 6% GDP growth and increasing FDI and trade.

Quizzed by an audience member on the SLSF's adherence to human rights standards and the issue of displaced children in particular, Minister Bogollagama defended the government's commitment to the standards set out by the UN Human Rights Council in dealing with what he referred to as one of the most brutal terrorist groups in the world.

Reported by Laura Chang

Excerpt: "The LTTE is on the way out" (3 min., 36 sec.)
Minister Bogollagama claims that the LTTE is losing its influence, funding, and territory, and is no longer capable of holding its ground.

Listen on Demand (1 hr., 6 min.)

Related event: Sri Lanka at 60: The Failure of the Peace Process and Its Implications
(Feb. 12, 2008)