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Ambassador’s Speech – ILO HIV/AIDS Program
Friday, December 7; 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Hotel Renuka, Colombo 3

Minister Senaviratne, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman,

It is my pleasure to be here to congratulate the International Labor Organization and members of the Ministry of Labor Relations and Manpower on the presentation of their HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme Sustainability Plan.  Since 2005, through collaboration with various chambers of commerce and trade unions, and with funding from the U.S Department of Labor, many in this room have worked hard to devise this plan.  I am impressed with the proposed sustainability program.  I am confident that this plan will indeed help prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS in the workplace by enhancing workplace protections and by encouraging the reduction of risky behavior among workers.  I know that the Department of Labor will continue to support your important work.

This is also a very timely opportunity for me to speak with you, as World AIDS Day was December 1.  Across the globe, world leaders, governments, NGOS, private organizations, multilateral organizations, community groups, musicians, hospitals, religious faiths, and individuals paused to reflect on the importance of combating HIV/AIDS.  As President Bush said:  "World AIDS Day is both a day of sadness and a day of hope.  We remember with sadness all those lost to AIDS.  We also mark this day with hope -- for the improving prospects of those living with the virus, for the unprecedented number of infections being prevented, and for new progress toward eradicating this disease. Above all, we rededicate ourselves to a great purpose: We will turn the tide against HIV/AIDS -- once and for all."

I’m pleased that the United States is leading the global effort to combat HIV/AIDS via the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a $15 billion mobilization plan to help support prevention, treatment, and care programs in some of the hardest hit countries around the world.  We also contribute in other ways, such as via this ILO program.  As a global community, we all must do more to both prevent transmission and to care for those who have HIV/AIDS.

While Sri Lanka currently has a low rate of HIV infection, this is no time for complacency.  The existence of high risk behavior, coupled with various political and cultural factors that can aid in fueling an epidemic, means Sri Lanka remains vulnerable to significantly higher HIV/AIDS infection rates in the future.  As we all have seen, HIV/AIDS has damaged societies and economies in every part of the world, including in the United States.  In some countries, this is easily apparent at the macro level.  In others, it is the micro level – such as the hardship children face upon losing one or both parents to AIDS – where it is most acutely felt. 

Unfortunately, one of the most significant challenges in combating the disease remains society’s stigma and lack of awareness towards those who are HIV-positive.  Such phobias are unjustified, and must be eliminated by education and open discussion.  People should understand that an HIV/AIDS patient needs – and deserves – the same medical attention and family support that she or he would receive if inflicted with any other serious illness.  Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among both the at-risk and general populations, as this program will do, will reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

An HIV/AIDS workplace education program is an essential element in an overall HIV/AIDS prevention and education strategy in Sri Lanka.  The workplace is a natural and suitable location to educate people.  Information can be provided in an informed, business-like way that can overcome workers' inhibitions about discussing what is often viewed as a sensitive or embarrassing issue.  Workplace programs also have an educational multiplier effect.  People who learn about HIV/AIDS at work often pass on this information to their families and communities.  By educating the people of Sri Lanka, hopefully we can achieve the following results:

• Less workplace discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS;

• Decreased high-risk behavior;

• Fewer adverse consequences of HIV/AIDS on social, labor, and economic development; and

• Overall prevention of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

The work of ILO and the Ministry of Labor Relations and Manpower discussed here today should make a big stride in ensuring that the stigmas against those living with HIV/AIDS are overcome and that discrimination is eliminated.  I hope that in the near future no one will fire an individual because she or he is HIV-positive.  That no individual will be denied employment because they have AIDS.  And that medical personnel will never again refuse to treat a patient who happens to have AIDS, as was unfortunately the case earlier this year during the International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific conference.

In conclusion, let us all remember that unlike many dread diseases, AIDS is preventable.  Sri Lanka is currently fortunate that the spread of the disease remains low.  Nevertheless, we must act fast and mobilize all available resources to ensure that the rate of infection remains low or even declines.  The public and private sectors, donors, the UN, NGOs and communities all have a key role to play in this endeavor.  If we work together, I have no doubt that we can win the battle against HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka.

Let me again thank you and congratulate you on this initiative.  My Embassy colleagues and I stand ready to help in any way we can to advance this program and other worthy HIV/AIDS efforts.  Good luck and continued success!