Tamil diaspora offers to play constructive role in Sri Lanka

The Tamil diaspora has offered to play a constructive role in Sri Lanka to ensure long-lasting changes in the country.

The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) congratulated the Aragalaya (Struggle) movement in Sri Lanka for the phenomenal political victory it has achieved and expresses solidarity with the ordinary citizens who are leading this change with courage and conviction.

“The economic crisis that engulfed the country has led to the formation of this progressive political force which has achieved revolutionary outcomes relatively peacefully. Indeed, it feels as though this is a rebirth moment for the country after its independence,” the influential UK based group said in a statement.

GTF said that the departure from the country and resignation as President by Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a hugely important first step ? an outcome no one would have imagined even six months ago.

“Gotabaya was responsible and must be made accountable for not only the latest mismanagement of the economy, but also on his watch countless mass atrocities happened including the killing and disappearances of tens of thousands of Tamils and many journalists during 2005-2009, and the disappearances of thousands of Sinhalese youths in 1989,” GTF said.

GTF said that it is important that such a momentous transition continues peacefully and constitutionally until stable, democratic, accountable, and pluralistic governance is achieved ? first through the formation of an all-party, representative government respecting the aspirations of the people expressed through Aragalaya, followed by general elections at a suitable time to form a government that truly reflects the will of the people.

“Any new Government will have to face huge challenges ? hard negotiations with countries and financial institutions to restructure existing loans; seek new and urgent funding to secure essential food, fuel, and medicine; and implement difficult economic measures without imposing further distress on many people who already suffer unsurmountable hardships,” GTF added.

GTF strongly hopes such a Government will not only include all the parties represented in the Parliament but also consist of legitimate and authentic representatives of all communities.

The Global Tamil Forum said it wholeheartedly supports the remarkable and hopeful developments taking place in Sri Lanka at this historic moment and would be delighted to play a constructive role in ensuring that the present momentum leads to meaningful and long-lasting changes in the country through non-violent and democratic means. (Colombo Gazette)