Tamil Nadu govt must concentrate on helping Tamils in India - Azwer

"The Tamil Nadu government must essentially concentrate on improving the quality of life of the massive Tamil population in India and initiate development schemes for the welfare of their people. They would be doing a great service by their people rather than concentrate on attempts to cast aspersions on the people and government of Sri Lanka. Such attitude will not bring any benefits to the Tamils in India at all," said A H M Azwer, MP and Member of Parliamentary Council.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 31st anniversary celebration of the Ampara district All Ceylon Muslim League Youth Fronts (ACUMLYF) held at Lloyd's Hotel, Addalachchenai.

Poet Arabu Mohideen presided.

ACUMLYF President Rasheed M Imithiyas led a 15-member delegation from the Colombo Head Office.

Azwer said that Tamil Nadu politicians should express their thanks to the Sri Lankan government for the benefits showered on the Tamil population of the country to develop and improve Tamil language and culture throughout Sri Lanka.

"Tamil is taught throughout the island and religious and cultural celebrations are freely conducted in all temples in the island. Tamil schools are also well managed by the government even in Sinhalese areas. This is even true as far as the Muslims are concerned. Muslim children receive education in Tamil medium even in schools in Sinhalese areas. Massive development schemes are undertaken in the North and East as never before. Thousands of miles of road have been constructed in the North and East," he said. "In fact I feel like travelling to the Northern and Eastern Provinces almost daily since the roadways linking these areas are perfectly carpeted and this part of the country resembles a part in Germany or Japan since highways are so well constructed."

"Whereas before this government came to power, the most arduous and difficult experience was to travel from Colombo to Pottuvil or Pulmudai or from Colombo to Jaffna," Azwer said.

He also said that the late Speaker Deshamanya M A Bakeer Marker built the Muslim League Youth Fronts throughout the island with principles and ideas guiding the Muslim youth to realize their national duty and be committed to build a united Sri Lanka.

Katham-ul-Quran were recited on all past leaders of the MLYF. Thirty one persons were honoured at the celebration for their dedicated service to the country and the community. Schoolchildren were presented books.

Copies of Al-Quran were distributed among Madrasses in the district.

Ampara district ACUMLYF founder M I Uduma Lebbe also spoke. Politicians, scholars, religious dignitaries and a large number of Muslim leaders were also present.