TESO conference :

Govt concern expressed through HC

Disna Mudalige

The Sri Lankan government has voiced its concern through the Sri Lankan High Commission in India about the Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization (TESO) conference, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris said.

Responding to a question by a journalist at a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, the minister said the Sri Lankan government has by no means been silent, but has raised its concerns using the most appropriate diplomatic means. He noted the stance of the government is that no foreign force must be allowed to act in a manner that might affect the territorial integrity of the country. He said the TESO conference sponsored by DMK leader Karunanidhi did not receive any support from the Central Indian Government or Tamil Nadu State Government.

He said many groups even within India have voiced out against this conference. Citing Janatha Party Leader Dr Subramaniam Swami for example, the minister stated that sharp criticisms were leveled by him against this conference.

He also stated the central government has also raised questions over several issues pertaining to this conference from the DMK leadership.