Opposition Leader and Leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), R. Sampanthan states that the continuation of the coalition government is crucial to conduct a successful Constitution-making process.
He stated this upon meeting with the visiting Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo yesterday (18).
The TNA said in a press release today (19) that the Alliance leader had apprised the Singaporean Foreign Minister of the current political situation related to the Constitution-making process during the meeting.
He had also stated that both the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) must put their petty political agendas aside and work together to lead th process to a success, so that the country would have ‘a Constitution based on national consensus’.
“This is an urgent need for the whole country and all its people,” he said, according to the release.
Addressing the issues faced by the Tamil People of the North and East, Sampanthan had pointed out the slow progress in repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Resolution to Missing Persons Families, as well as in releasing lands belonging to people.
Affected people are asking for a process that will ascertain the truth, he had further added.
According to the release, Sampanthan had welcomed the efforts of the Singapore Government on possible investments in Sri Lanka, and proceeded to request the Foreign Minister to give priorities to programmes that would provide skill development and employment opportunities to the much-affected youth of the North and East.
Balakrishnan had reportedly appreciated all the efforts made by Sampanthan and noted that his role as the leader of the TNA was a difficult and a much-needed one at this particular time.
“I salute you for your courage and perseverance” he had said, commending Sampanthan’s efforts.
TNA’s Jaffna District Parliamentarian and Spokesperson, M. A. Sumanthiran had also been present during the meeting.
