Letter To The President From Sri Lanka

His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor,
President of the Republic of Ghana,
Office of the President,
The Castle,
Accra,
Greater Accra,
Ghana.

Your Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to extend my Most Sincere Congratulations and Very Warm Best Wishes to you on the auspicious occasion of your 63rd Birthday, which falls 08th December 2001. Availing myself of this pleasant opportunity, I wish you also, Respected Mr. President, good health, happiness and every success in your activities and endeavours as well as peace and well-being to the friendly people of the Republic of Ghana.

May God give your Excellency strength and shower his blessings upon your Excellency to carry out your duties to the acceptance of the people of your country !

May God open the way for you and all the Ghanaian people to achieve the good deeds that you and they have in mind !!

May the Ghanaian government and people continue to achieve new successes in the cause of defending national independence, upholding national unity and building their own country !!!

“ With your long and distinguished involvement in public life, the Republic of Ghana would continue to advance on the path of economic development and peace and prosperity for her people. ’’ – Email sender

Your appointment as the President of the Republic of Ghana on 07th January 2001 was indeed a clear manifestation of the immense confidence that the Ghanaian people had re-reposed in your dynamic leadership and distinguished personality to guide their destiny towards new millennium. The service your Excellency rendered as a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs representing several important delegations to overseas and, thereafter as the Secretary for Local Government initiating the Local Government Policy Guidelines - that made your Excellency Pillar of the current decentralized District Assemblies - was very valuable to the country. The overwhelming mandate given by the Ghanaian people to you for a four-year term following the resounding victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 07th and 28th December 2000 Presidential Elections is unparalleled in your country’s history, reflecting their unequivocal endorsement of the policies and achievements of the previous Second and Third republic governments and their dedicated and dynamic stewardship. Over the past period the Ghanaian people have accomplished fresh achievement in the economic development and maintenance of the national unification, for which we would like to express our appreciation. May the Ghanaian people obtain many greater achievements in the cause of constructing and developing a prosperous country and a happy life !!!!

Throughout your public life your Excellency has been accepted and acknowledged as an astute politician with a unique mind of your own and inimitable leadership qualities. May I say, your Excellency also actively performed in any sort of activity that you undertook. You always believed that firm handling of governance was necessary to run a country that needs to bring a relief to masses. Your leadership qualities as a visionary, a strategist and a non-violent revolutionary enriched by your long years of political culturing and experience. Ghanaians should very proud to be born in a country where a man in the calibre of His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor was born.

I am confident that with your long and distinguished involvement in public life, the Republic of Ghana would continue to advance on the path of economic development and peace and prosperity for her people. May you successfully perform this demanding and responsible task to steer the nation for the benefit of all the Ghanaian people !!!!!

On the auspicious occasion of the 63rd Birthday of the President of the Republic of Ghana, it is also fitting to look back with pride on the road you have travelled, in forging the destiny of your nation. Through hard work and sacrifice, a people of many origins made Ghana their home, building a sovereign democratic state of Western Africa in the African mainland. As you think back on that historic day – 06th March 1957 and all that has happened in Ghana since then, there is much that has been achieved to fire a burning pride within your hearts and souls as citizens of your blessed land. Your country was one of the first colonies in the African mainland to make the transition as an independent state into the international community of nations. Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence, following which the country saw periods of relative stability, punctuated by several coups. Nevertheless, the long gestation period to nationhood at least allow your people to better prepare themselves for the challenges they face. There is evidence of settlements in Ghana more than 300,000 years ago, but present day Ghana as we know it, began to take shape as the British Gold Coast colony. Europeans began trading in the area in 1471, with gold being the most valuable commodity exported. Today the Ghanaian people live in a stable parliamentary democracy. You nurture a sound human rights record for Ghana, striving to ensure that your people enjoy the full plenitude of rights and freedoms that befits their dignity as human beings. No Ghanaian need flee the country for fear of political, religious or ethnic persecution.

" We are going to see that we create our own African personality and identity ” - The Osegyefo

The 20th century, which we bade farewell to, has witnessed the most glorious achievement of the Ghanaian nation – the Independence of Ghana. The Osegyefo, His Excellency the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah became an international symbol of freedom as the leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule. His Excellency the late Dr. Nkrumah began an intense speaking tour throughout the country, and with his unique, impassioned rhetoric, soon had the entire country seething with Pan-African enthusiasm and demands for self-rule. Boycotts of European goods were initiated; labour strikes became commonplace and work slowdowns began in all areas of the Gold Coast's commerce and industry. As midnight struck on 05th March 1957 and the Gold Coast became Ghana, His Excellency the late Dr Nkrumah declared: " We are going to see that we create our own African personality and identity ”.

" We again rededicate ourselves in the struggle to emancipate other countries in Africa; for our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent. " The entire Ghanaian nation should stand together to salute, to pay their rich tribute to the Founder of the Nation, His Excellency the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led your people to your long cherished Independence.

“ Politics reflects the will and the mood of the citizens, and the behaviour of politicians, in turn, influences the behaviour of citizens. ’’ – Email sender

Your Excellency, This auspicious occasion also causes us once again to note the ideals of freedom and democracy, which our two countries share. Our two countries are bound together by our common belief in the power of democracy as a force for good and for development, and by our shared commitment to the right of all individuals to be free. Democracy is a system based on trust in the human sense of responsibility. It ought to awaken and cultivate this responsibility. Democracy and civil society are thus two sides of the same coin. Today, when our very planetary civilisation is endangered by human irresponsibility, I see no other way to save it than through a general awakening and cultivation of the sense of responsibility people have for the affairs of this world.

The relationship between citizens and their politicians in a democratic society is always two-way. Politics reflects the will and the mood of the citizens, and the behaviour of politicians, in turn, influences the behaviour of citizens. A political power intent on creating a civil society will not be concerned merely with issuing appropriate laws, but also with the creation of what is understood as political culture. To be specific, if politicians wish to awaken in citizens their best strengths and characteristics, their will to serve the whole of society, and their responsibility toward it, then they themselves should think less about making their mark and belittling others and more about the common good. A positive political climate is one of the most important prerequisites of a positive social climate.

You have come far since Independence. But you have further, much further, yet to go. For freedom is not a safe harbour, a resting place, a finished work. It is a challenge constantly renewed to change, to reform, to build a modern Ghana with justice and opportunity for all. It is therefore important that the Ghanaian people maintain a sense of balance and perspective at all times. The Ghanaian people should not overlook the forest for the trees. Ghana has not wasted its raw talents and resources. You have, with unbroken resolve, hammer out development on the anvil of national unity and pride for the benefit of all the people.

Yes, there are many, challenging problems that beset you as a modern developing country in a rapidly and radically transforming world. The greatest of these challenges is perhaps finding viable avenues of economic diversification in a fiercely competitive international marketplace while still managing to stimulate economic growth as you make the transition. This is not a problem unique to the Republic of Ghana. It is faced by virtually all your sister countries in Western Africa and the African mainland. Indeed it is a challenge for all countries of the South.

Ghana at forty-four is at a critical juncture. There is no time for last century's outdated and wasteful political games. No time for petty political jousting. This is time to whip your collective wits, energy and resolve into a critical mass strategies and policies that will secure for you a place in the emerging new world.

“ As a nation firmly committed to the international co-operation, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka looks forward to the Republic of Ghana continuing and strengthening its efforts towards global peace and security. ’’ – Email sender

Despite the great distance separating Ghana and Sri Lanka, we have a number of common features uniting us. In Sri Lanka like in Ghana great importance is attached to traditions and customs. We are also bound together by our common belief to give our people a better future. We can and must work together to better confront the many common challenges of a fast changing world. No state can survive on its own any longer today. In the course of increasing globalisation, we are experiencing the age of huge networks and small entities. On international level, Sri Lanka therefore fosters close and good co-operation with its partners around the world in four continents. We are convinced that learning from each other and joint action are becoming more and more important. The process of sharing experience and co-operating with our partners is giving us the bid chance to shape our common future.

Discussing the Ghanaian-Sri Lanka relationship is a source of both pride and joy. In the area of foreign and international relations, the specific policy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has always been based on detente and peaceful co-existence and expansion of relations with other countries on the basis of equal relations and mutual respect. Both Ghana and Sri Lanka have participated in many international conferences such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), the different U.N. conventions and many World Trade Organisation (WTrO) meetings thus sharing a common understanding and belief in the need to further strengthen the solid relationship between the two countries. Successive leaders of the two countries, since the establishment of diplomatic links, have provided impetus and substance to the nurturing and development of the relationship between Ghana and Sri Lanka. The close personal rapport between Her! Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and His Excellency the President John Agyekum Kufuor of the Republic of Ghana, and the mutual admiration and affection they hold for each other has added a new dimension to the two countries relationship.

As a nation firmly committed to the international cooperation, Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka and the Colombo government looks forward to working with His Excellency the President John Agyekum Kufuor of the Republic of Ghana and the Accra government continuing and strengthening its ties towards global peace and security.

“ A New Path for a New Generation. ’’ – Newly Elected Prime Minister and charismatic mass leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka

Speaking about my country, There were various elections that show commitment of our country to democracy and civilisation principles that have been implemented comprehensively every time. We held Municipal and Provincial Council Elections throughout the country in 1999, as well as Presidential Elections, and Parliamentary Elections was held very recently, on 05th December 2001. This indicates the reliance of the government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka repose on the massive support of the people with rich culture and Buddhist civilisation. In this way our country has enriched its political, economical and social foundations.

Your Excellency, The opposition United National Party (UNP) in Sri Lanka is set to return to power after seven years in opposition, following a strong performance in the country’s Parliamentary Elections. The UNP has swept many districts in the country; winning 114 seats (49% of the votes) in the 225 members Parliament compared to 77 seats (39% of the votes) for the governing People’s Alliance (PA) of Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. However, even if Her Excellency the President Kumaratunaga’s PA loses the election, she will continue as [Executive] President for the next five years and will have to work with an opposition government.

The 52-year-old Prime Minister-designate His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe has polled the highest number of preferential votes in Sri Lanka’s Elections history obtaining 415,686 votes from the Colombo District. The present leader of the United National Party, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe is its seventh leader. He was also Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister from May 1993 to August 1994. He commenced re-building the party, which had been defeated at three consecutive elections, within his first week as Party Leader. When he assumed leadership, the UNP was in the doldrums. Apart from the electoral losses, it had also lost many of its leaders. Finances and party morale were at an all time low. He re-fashioned the party policies to reflect aspirations of a new society – “ A New Path for a New Generation. ’’ He has commenced the process of restructuring the party to take Sri Lanka into the 21st century.

Under the guidance of all its seven leaders, the primary task of the party, a task it has adhered to with a clear and unwavering commitment, has been to bring peace, harmony and prosperity to Sri Lanka of all walks of life. In its 50 years, the United National Party - which brought Independence to Sri Lanka, led by Father of the Nation, His Excellency the late Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Stephen Senanayake – has evolved not only into a mature and professionally managed political force, strong and united even in opposition, but a way of life in itself.

“ The terrorist attack in the United States of America was a ' last wake-up call ' for the whole world to fight against terrorism, an evil that endangers the whole world. ’’ – President Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka

Your Excellency, May I say both Ghana and Sri Lanka believes that the world community is now confronted with tasks and challenges that effect in equal measures the security and prosperity interests of all states. Therefore our efforts on the international scene go in two complementary directions - it is, on one hand the consistent uphold of national interests, and on the other - a search for collective solutions to major international problems.

Sri Lanka has been confronted with the problem of terrorism for nearly two decades. In recent times, terrorism has begun to cross countries and territories with considerable ease. Indeed, the reach of terrorism is vast. Therefore, today more than ever, we need to co-operate internationally to combat this menace.

Your Excellency, Sri Lanka has been faced with problems of terrorism caused by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a merciless terrorist group that has chosen to reject the democratic path. While we resolutely confront the acts of terrorism perpetrated by the LTTE with its heavy toll of innocent lives, the Sri Lankan government is deeply committed in findings a lasting solution to the genuine grievances of the minority Tamil people. The government is following a three-fold strategy to resolve the minority problem at the origin of the current military conflict. The first stage is to guarantee all rights to communities living in Sri Lanka, through a new Constitution. The second is an extensive programme for the development of impoverished regions, where minorities live. The third is to persuade the LTTE to give up its policy of violence and to negotiate a peaceful solution. We remain confident that a peacefully negotiated settlement is not only imperative, but also in! deed possible. While pursuing this political process, we greatly appreciate the consistent support, which the Presidency as well as Ghanaian government, exhibit towards the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, within the context of the process initiated by the Sri Lankan government.

Today terrorism is a well-organised - also sophisticated - international network linking each and every corner of the world. It has become a global cancer that affects almost all the nations irrespective of its power, wealth or political status in the global scenario. Some countries - mainly the United States and the United Kingdom - took measures during the past couple of years to proscribe dozens of organizations, which they saw as terrorist groups, but according to many analysts it could have been done much earlier. Unless we stand together, we all fall together. It is absolutely high time for it. Expressing a clear political will and commitment to tackle terrorism together is a must. No longer can the developed countries say that it is not our problem, it is somebody else's problem. Now it has become the problem of all us.

Sri Lankan President Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said on 16th September 2001, that it was not sufficient to hunt down terrorists and perpetrators of terrorism, but it was also essential to understand the deep-rooted causes of this most dehumanising phenomenon of the 21st century. " The recent attack on the heart of democracy caused heavy losses not only to the United States of America but also its economy and to the global economy. The time has come to join hands to solve the terrorist problem. The terrorist attack in the United States of America was a ' last wake-up call ' for the whole world to fight against terrorism, an evil that endangers the whole world, " she asserted. She said it was not strategically possible to eliminate terrorism and all developed nations, whatever their differences should unite in creating an atmosphere to root-out the reasons for the emergence of terrorist groups. Sri Lankan President Kumaratunga pledged Sri Lanka's fullest! support in this regard.

Your Excellency, Ghana’s deep understanding and concern at challenges facing Sri Lanka and the expressions of support for its endeavour at surmounting them are deeply appreciated.

Speaking about myself, I am a Technical Officer (Civil) in a private construction company. I am 35 years old, and genuinely interested in World Politics since my childhood.

Let me also extend my sincere greetings and best wishes to NPP National Chairman His Excellency S. A. Odoi-Sykes, Secretary-General His Excellency Daniel Botwe, Members of Parliament while hoping for their perpetual good health, happiness and hoping the NPP more progress and prosperity.

I would also like to seize this opportunity to express my sincere best wishes to First Lady Theresa Kufuor and your family for good health, happiness and every success in their future activities and endeavours.

Pleasures shared are pleasures increased.

Long Live His Excellency the President John Agyekum Kufuor !!!!!!

Long Live the New Patriotic Party !!!!!!!

Long Live the Republic of Ghana and the Ghanaian Nation !!!!!!!!

With Best Regards,

I remain,
Yours Respectfully,
(G. A. K. Nalin De Silva)
nalindes@eureka.lk