Opposition Leader maligns Mangala for GTF engagement

By Ashwin Hemmathagama Our Lobby Correspondent

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday admonished Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera and the Government for having contact and dealings with the Global Tamil Forum, creating an environment for the revival of the now defunct LTTE.

Demanding to know the details of the discussion, held in London, with the Global Tamil Forum, along with the names of the people and institutions that attended the meeting, De Silva said: “The Global Tamil Forum has close links with the LTTE and the Tamil Diaspora which is working against Sri Lanka. Either Norway or South Africa has arranged the meeting. A Gazette notification, dated 21 March 2014, proscribed all Diasporas related to the LTTE. It is reported that the Government is looking at loosening this grip over such harmful forces.

“Did you receive the necessary approval from the Cabinet of Ministers, the President or the Prime Minister to take part in this meeting? Did the topic of war crimes come up during the session? It was also reported that Eric Solheim participated in the meeting. People have the right to know what you discussed and the decisions you arrived at,” MP de Silva said.

In response, Leader of the House, Plantation Industries Minister Lakshman Kiriella, agreed to provide a response today.