Dr. Palitha Kohona Meets Sri Lankan Tamils In Toronto

(September 04, Toronto, Sri Lanka Guardian) A meeting with Dr. Palitha Kohona - Secretary of Foreign Affairs to the Government of Srilanka was arranged by Canadian Democratic Tamil Cultural Association at Scarborough Civic Centre. Dr. Rajendran -President of the Association in his welcome speech made a reference to the problems of the Tamil Diaspora which has been threaten and intimidated by the LTTE. He also brought out that the Government of Srilanka needs to address the problems of Srilankan Tamils living in Srilanka and to bring a solution within the frame of Srilankan Constitution which is acceptable to all the communities living in Srilanka.

Dr. Palitha Kohona in his brief speech said that the Government of Srilanka very clearly understands the plight of Srilankan Tamils in which it’s taking all appropriate steps to find a amicable settlement to the Tamil issue. He also pointed out that we should also take account of this sensitive issue which has to get an approval from the majority community so that it can be settled smoothly.

Dr. Kohona also said the process for a settlement is on and one should understand it needs time to settle a conflict that has been existing for 25 years. While referring to the army advancement in the north, he said the Government of Srilanka has taken every possible measure to avoid civilian causalities that is also one of the reasons our military advancement is too slow just for the simple reason to safe guard its citizens.

He also noted that the Government followed the very same step in Eastern province too and said most of the displaced people in the East have returned and rehabilitation process is in full swing. After his speech, some of the participant raised questions about thirteen Amendment of the Constitution for which Dr. Kohona said it’s already in our Constitution and its only a matter of implementation. He also said very soon the north will be also cleared from Terrorists, so that the people of north will be able to enjoy the same freedom and democracy which their east and southern brothers & sisters enjoy now. Consulate General of Srilanka in Toronto Mr. Bandula Jayasekara also participated in the event.
- Sri Lanka Guardian