Foreign Minister Bogollagama exchanges views with MP William Hague

(June 05, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who is currently visiting the UK for bilateral consultations met with wide ranging political personalities on 4 June 2009.

Minister Bogollagama met with William Hague, MP, and Shadow Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Conservative). At the outset of the meeting the Foreign Minister provided a detailed account on the final days of the LTTE. Mr. Hague stated that the defeat of the LTTE by military means has now provided enormous opportunities to Sri Lanka to bring the communities together on a sound foundation. Foreign Minister Bogollagama said that successive governments had made efforts to engage the LTTE and to bring the organisation into the democratic process. He said that the defeat of the LTTE has provided opportunities to embark upon the political and economic empowerment of the people in the North and East.

Minister Bogollagama recalled that the fight against the LTTE terrorism goes back to the period of Mrs Thatcher's Conservative administration. He also outlined the road map designed for the IDPs and bringing the members of TNA and other Tamil parties to create inclusive political process. While explaining the deliberations of the APRC process, Minister Bogollagama stated that he is hopeful that the UNP too will join the process.

Minister Bogollagama also said that he will be looking forward to the leadership of Mr Hague to bring constructive approaches to deal with the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in the UK.

He apprised Hague of the necessity of seeking ways and means for the Sri Lankan diaspora to assist in the reconciliation process. Hague while appreciating the efforts made by the Sri Lankan Government to bring inclusive political process stated that the conservative party is open minded and wishes to assist in the reconciliation process and reconstructions of the north and east.

Mr Hague assured the Hon Bogollagama that a future Conservative government will work closely with the Sri Lankan government to strengthen bilateral relations in its all spheres between Sri Lanka and the UK.

Minister Bogollagama while appreciating the assurance given by Mr Hague also stated that Sri Lanka being the current Chair of SAARC would be looking forward to bring a new paradigm of relations in South Asia and requested Mr Hague to take active part.
At his meeting with Edward Davey, MP, Shadow Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Liberal Democrats), the Minister pointed out that this is the first bilateral visit he was undertaking following the defeat of terrorism by the Government of Sri Lanka. He said Sri Lanka has once again become a free country and is now on the springboard in creating a firm foundation.

for a new Sri Lanka based on values of liberal and inclusive democracy with an unprecedented reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation process.

The Foreign Minister explained the work undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka for the resettlement of around 300,000 internally displaced people in various welfare camps. He also narrated the efforts undertaken by the Government including the 180 day resettlement programme. He also explained that the Government has undertaken extensive development schemes across the Northern Province to bring long lasting peace and prosperity to the people.

Minister Bogollagama upheld that the Government's experience in the east would be replicated in the north. He also recognised the need for building trust between the government and those affected nationals.

With respect to the political proposals the Minister explained the efforts taken by the All Party Representative Committee.

Davey stated that he and his party would be willing to continue the dialogue with the Government of Sri Lanka especially in assisting the reconciliation process through the Sri Lankan community in the UK. He regretted that the LTTE did not understand the Tamil people to the extent that Tamil political leaders who could have legitimately represented them were annihilated. Davey referred to the importance of forgetting the past and move forward in finding a moderate Tamil leadership. Re-unification of families was underlined by Davey on which the Minister informed that such a process had already begun.

The Minister also met with the Lord Naseby, Co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka. During his meeting the Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the contribution made by Lord Naseby in furthering bilateral relations between the two countries. While providing an extensive and detailed account on the last segment of the fight against terrorism, the Minister outlined that the most daunting task before the Government of Sri Lanka in rehabilitating and re-settling the IDPs as early as possible.

-Sri Lanka Guardian