Ambassador Lunstead Address to American chamber of Commerce

[January 12, 2006 - 7.15 GMT]

The future economic prosperity of Sri Lanka is inextricably linked to the peace process, and the business community should take an active role in promoting the peace process were two of the main messages delivered by US Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead in a luncheon address before the American Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Ambassador Lunstead noted that achieving a just and lasting peace is paramount for Sri Lanka’s continued development. "Peace allows for increased economic activity and investment, which prompts greater prosperity, which further solidifies the desires for and benefits of peace. It is a virtuous cycle. Unfortunately, the opposite vicious cycle can also happen," he said.

In urging the business community to take an active role in promoting the peace process, Lunstead said, "As we look at peace and prosperity, we are at a point in the cycle when the furtherance of peace is perhaps the single most important thing that can push Sri Lanka along the path to further prosperity. A failure to capitalize on peace now will have significant negative repercussions in the months and years ahead. It will be especially bad for the economy and the underlying businesses that drive it."

Regarding the recent actions of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the Ambassador noted, "The US calls on the LTTE to stop its violent activities, its obfuscation of the larger issues and to return to the negotiating table with the Government of Sri Lanka in order to work towards a stable, permanent peace". (more)

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Last Updated Date: January 12, 2005 - 7.15 GMT