Sri Lanka government discusses reconciliation with Tamil diaspora
Monday, June 8, 2015
The Sri Lankan government in an attempt to make progress in post-war reconciliation has held discussions with the Tamil diaspora in the UK.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who was visiting London, met with leading Diaspora groups in London over the weekend and engaged in discussions on how the diaspora groups can contribute to the reconciliation process.
Samaraweera engaged in the talks with the London-based Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and the representatives of Sri Lanka's main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) last weekend in London.
In a statement the GTF said the organization and the Tamil National Alliance continued their informal dialogue over the last two days in London with various stakeholders to enhance confidence building measures between all communities within and outside Sri Lanka. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was also present in the talks.
During the meeting, the need for constructive engagement by the Sri Lankan Diaspora was discussed, including the needs of displaced people.
The participants agreed to call a further meeting to present the requirements to various High Commissioners and Ambassadors based in Sri Lanka, with the aim to raise funds for housing of over two thousand families in the newly released lands, the GTF said.
According to the GTF, the release of prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in the light of the review by the Ministry of Justice was also discussed. The TNA and the GTF further raised the issue of listing of Diaspora organizations and individuals by the previous Government.
Ideas of ways in which the Sri Lankan Diaspora could assist by bringing its exceptional capacity and capabilities were also explored.
Foreign Minister Samaraweera has said earlier that the Sri Lankan government is reviewing the ban imposed on some Tamil diaspora groups and individuals by the former government in order to take the reconciliation process forward.
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