Sri Lankan Ambassador G. Wijayasiri said Tuesday his government is totally committed to implementing plans to restore peace and achieve national unity despite the Tamil separatists' campaign to divide the republic.
While noting Sri Lanka's remarkable achievements, such as its democratic traditions, independent press and social development, in its 50 years of independence, the envoy also cited the civil war by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elan as one area where the island country has failed.
After 15 years of bloodshed, both the Sinhalese and Tamils have realized that the country must stop terrorism and devote itself to development instead of wasting almost 5 percent of its GNP on military spending, Wijayasiri said.
Describing the government's peace proposals, he said Sri Lanka is promoting plans to delegate power to provincial councils and predicted next year will be crucial for Sri Lanka in its efforts to restore national unity.
The LTTE, with an estimated force of 4,000 to 10,000, has not abandoned its terrorist cause, the ambassador said.