The Minister during the brief remark reiterated the need of a 'home-grown polity' accompanied by economic development for a realistic reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. Secretary Clinton welcoming the Sri Lankan Minister prior to their meeting reiterated the United States' strong support for the process of reconciliation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka. "We have very strong, important ties between our two countries. We were encouraged to see the end of a very long, bloody, terrible conflict, and look forward to working with Sri Lanka as they pursue their commitment to a better future for all the people," Clinton has commented. The Secretary noted that the U.S. wants to be a supportive partner in Sri Lanka's efforts for reconciliation and she was looking forward to a productive conversation with the minister. Minister Peiris in response briefly apprised the Secretary of the great deal of development taking place in Sri Lanka since his last meeting with the Secretary two years ago in Washington. The Minister noted that the government has been able to complete 90 percent of the work connected with the resettlement of the people who were displaced by the conflict, and all ex-combatants including 595 child soldiers have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society after exposing them to programs of vocational training which equip them to earn their living. He noted that the economy of the northern province of Sri Lanka has grown rapidly, as much as 22 percent compared to the 8 percent average for the rest of the island and that the economic growth in the war-torn region is due to the development of infrastructure in the area. Emphasizing that there is an intimate connection between reconciliation and economic development, he said Sri Lanka must focus on developing the economy for realistic process of reconciliation. "We believe that any realistic process of reconciliation must focus upon economic factors, there must be a certain threshold of economic contentment and well-being, and emphasis on access to livelihoods and incomes. These are essential aspects of a reconciliation process," he said. The Minister also stressed that Sri Lanka is focusing on other aspects of reconciliation including land, language, and constitutional reforms which are appropriate at this stage of the country's political and social development. He reiterated that if the reconciliation process is to be successful it must have a "homegrown polity". "If it (reconciliation process) is to be successful, it must reflect sensitivity to the aspirations of our people. It must have a homegrown polity. It is only then that the people of the country at large will be able to identify this process, which will then come alive in their hearts and minds," Minister Peiris said. He expressed hope on strengthening the already "very strong and vibrant" bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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