Right time to iron out differences:

Focus on development insists Liam Fox in Jaffna

by Ananth PALAKIDNAR

The Shadow Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom Dr. Liam Fox, the first key foreign political figure to visit Jaffna since the collapse of LTTE terrorism, met the representatives of the People’s Council for Peace and Goodwill in Jaffna and insisted on the need for focusing more on developing the region economically.

He also told the Jaffna elitists that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was very keen on settling the national issue beyond party politics.

Dr. Fox visited Jaffna for the first time to witness post-war development activities. He was in Jaffna on Friday and had discussions with members of the Jaffna Civil Society, represented in People’s Council for Peace and Goodwill.

President of the Council and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna Prof. P. Balasundarampillai told the Sunday Observer that Dr. Fox made his visit to Jaffna for the first time and listened to the post-war development plans in the North with great enthusiasm.

According to Prof. Balasundarampillai, Dr. Fox pointed out that this was the right time to iron out differences and focus more on development activities in the war-torn Northern region. Balasundarampillai also said that Dr. Fox insisted on the need for international organisations such as the UN, and European Union to act with greater responsibility towards the issues in Sri Lanka instead of releasing statements.

Responding to the queries made by Dr. Fox, Prof. Balasundarampillai said that there was a considerable improvement in the availability of goods and services to the Jaffna Peninsula from the South.

“The removal of restrictions on fishing and agricultural sectors in the North has led to a greater extent in fisherfolk and farmers rebuilding their living conditions”, Prof. Balasundarampillai pointed out.

The People’s Council for Peace and Goodwill also insisted on the need of expediting the resettlement of IDPs.

The Council urging the good offices of the British Government for the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, told the visiting British politician that an early political settlement should be found for the political aspirations of Tamils.

Vicar General of Jaffna Rev. Dr. B. Justin Ganapragasam, the Chief incumbent of the Nallur Atheeram, members of the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce, fishing and agricultural societies also participated at the meeting with Dr. Liam Fox which was held at the Jaffna Bishop’s house.

Meanwhile Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama during his meeting with Dr. Liam Fox on Friday stated that with the progress in de-mining, 59,608 IDPs have already been resettled in the past few months and another 15,000 will be resettled soon; more than 10,228 seniors have been allowed to leave and further releases are anticipated in the near future after bona fides and capacities of prospective host families are established, he said.

Minister Bogollagama further explained the need for meticulous screening of those in the welfare centers, as some would have vital information impinging on the security of the country and others who need rehabilitation having been involved in the terrorist movement.

Dr. Fox reiterated his proposal of a ‘Sri Lanka Construction Fund’, made during his last visit to Sri Lanka in March 2009. The Fund would concentrate on economically empowering the people with the rapid channelling of funds to projects identified by the Government that are not only of humanitarian value, but also would benefit the future generations of Sri Lanka. Minister Bogollagama and Dr. Fox exchanged preliminary views on the envisaged modalities and framework for the proposed fund. This fund meant for reconstruction purposes, would seek also to procure contributions from the diaspora and would have transparent and independent governance. The Foreign Minister opined that the Government of Sri Lanka merits the objectives and is in agreement with this initiative as it would empower the people economically which would contribute to sustained peace.

Minister Bogollagama also informed Dr. Fox that in the international arena, Sri Lanka was moving forward. He referred to a number of international conferences being held in Sri Lanka together with many high level visits taking place. He referred to Sri Lanka being host to the Asia Co-operation Dialogue (ACD) in October this year.