|
|
|
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 04.03 GMT |
|
|
Back |
Committed to do all to make Sir Arthur's wish for
peace in Sri Lanka a reality
- President Rajapaksa |
|
|
|
|
"On this sad occasion, as Sri Lanka joins the world
in mourning his sad demise, I reiterate that my
government remains committed to do all within its
power to make a reality of the wish of Sir Arthur
to "see lasting peace in Sri Lanka as soon as
possible”, which encompasses the desire of all Sri
Lankans," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his
message of condolence on the death of Sir Arthur C
Clarke.
Here is the text of the President's message of
condolence.
I am deeply saddened by the demise of Sir Arthur C.
Clarke, the mostfamous person of foreign birth to
call Sri Lanka his home.
Living in this his adopted land since 1956, Sir
Arthur made important intellectual, cultural and
scientific contributions to Sri Lankan development,
while engaged in his scientific research and
creative writing that earned him well deserved
praise the world over.
The people of Sri Lanka were touched by the passion
he had for this country, and his close involvement
in its progress, especially the courage with which
acted for the protection of nature and the
environment, long before Climate Change assumed the
importance it has today. Always ahead of his time,
his response in the aftermath of the devastating
Tsunami of 2004 went beyond the harnessing of
immediate relief, to focusing international
attention on the need for a tsunami warning system.
We were all proud to have this celebrated author,
visionary and promoter of space exploration, prophet
of satellite communications, great humanist and
lover of animals in our midst, fittingly honoured as
a Distinguished Citizen of Sri Lanka.
Among the three important wishes Sir Arthur listed
at the celebrations to mark his 90th birthday a few
months ago was his “desire to see lasting peace in
Sri Lanka as soon as possible”.
On this sad occasion, as Sri Lanka joins the world
in mourning his sad demise, I wish to reiterate that
my government remains committed to do all within its
power to make a reality of this wish, which
encompasses the desire of all Sri Lankans.
March 19, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
^ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
