Post-conflict reconciliation:
Talks with Tamil parties
President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that initial talks have taken
place with Tamil political parties on aspects of post-conflict
reconciliation in Sri Lanka although no formal proposals have been made
so far by them.
The President was addressing Editors of the print and electronic
media at Temple Trees yesterday.
The President said that after considering proposals from all parties
a mutual agreement will be made.
He added that the focus is on alleged or perceived grievances of
minority communities.
However, little is said or reported in the media about the amity that
exists among them, he pointed out.
He said that earlier a very high percentage of Sinhalese lived in
Colombo, but today it is less than 30 percent.
“But, this has not led to misunderstandings and there are no
complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity,” he stressed.
With regard to measures taken outside of Colombo, the government has
ensured the appointment of at least one Tamil speaking police officer in
each police station in the North who can take down a complaint in Tamil,
he pointed out.
“In addition, in an increasing number of cases, the first reports to
courts in the Northern areas are now filed in Tamil,” he said.
‘Such measures are taken to ensure that the government responds to
people’s needs, further promoting post-conflict reconciliation’.
“There is increasing appreciation from abroad of the country’s
post-conflict reconciliation process,” stated the President. External
Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris joining the discussion agreed saying
the European Union Parliamentary group that visited Sri Lanka recently
expressed their satisfaction of the post-conflict reconciliation and
reconstruction.
He added that Western diplomats acknowledge there is no condition in
Sri Lanka to seek refuge for political purposes elsewhere but refuge is
sought for economic purposes. The President said that it is difficult
for a handful of Sri Lankan diplomatic staff abroad to counter various
charges raised against Sri Lanka by vast organizations, individuals and
other powerful entities.
He said that there is a planned attack on this country by such groups
with the help of international media who do not give publicity to the
positive news in Sri Lanka. (PRIU) |