(03 July 2018) “Sri Lanka was unable to advance in development due to the longstanding conflict, which has not been resolved for the past 70 years. Briefing on the steps taken by this government to address the national question Mr. Sampanthan said that we want a peaceful resolution through a new Constitution on the basis of equality and self-respect” Mr. Sampanthan has told the visiting Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha.
Press Release issued by the TNA on the meeting with Prayut Chan-o-Cha fellows:
A meeting held between the Visiting Thailand Prime Minister His Excellency Prayut Chan-o-Cha and the Leader of the Opposition and the Tamil National Alliance Hon. R Sampanthan in Colombo today.
Highlighting the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries Mr. Sampanthan commended the progress made by Thailand in the past. Further Mr. Sampanthan stated that Sri Lanka was unable to advance in development due to the longstanding conflict, which has not been resolved for the past 70 years. Briefing on the steps taken by this government to address the national question Mr. Sampanthan said that we want a peaceful resolution through a new Constitution on the basis of equality and self-respect, and we will extend our support to the government to achieve such power-sharing arrangements. Moreover, as per Lord Buddha’s teachings, the right thing must be done to resolve this issue permanently said Mr. Sampanthan.
Speaking on the need for Investments in the North and East Mr. Sampanthan emphasized and requested the Prime Minister to encourage the Thai private sector investors to invest in the North and East. Further, the people in the North and East are in need of employment opportunities and their economic status must be uplifted said Mr. Sampanthan.
Appreciating the initiatives taken to establish a sugar factory in the North by the Thailand Investors Mr. Sampanthan requested more of such investments to the former war-torn areas and highlighted the adverse impact of the war in achieving development by these very hard working people of the North and East. Further, he emphasized that more investments would certainly uplift the Economic condition of the people in North and East and in the whole of Sri Lanka.
While assuring that he will certainly encourage the Thai Investors to invest in Sri Lanka the Thailand Prime Minister also requested Mr. Sampanthan to extend his support to facilitate these investments in the future.
Along with Mr. Sampanthan, TNA spokesman and the Jaffna District Parliamentarian Hon M.A. Sumanthiran was also present at the meeting.