Joko Widodo in Colombo: TNA calls for Indonesian support

The Indonesian President assured that Indonesia is committed to corporate with Sri Lanka in the process of nation-building and to the enhancement of economy and capacity building.

( January 25, 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The TNA has called for Indonesian support to develop the Northern and Eastern regions. The TNA issued the following statement following Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan meeting the Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Colombo yesterday:

“Sampanthan highlighted the fact that on account of the armed conflict, Sri Lanka has left behind far in compared to other countries in the region. Thus Sri Lanka needs international support to rebuild its economy he added. Drawing the attention of the President Mr. Sampanthan highlighted the needs in the North and East especially the issues of unemployment and the consequences faced by the young people must be addressed through sufficient economic investments he added. He urged the president to ensure that there are investments by the Indonesia in the North and East.

“Sampanthan Earnestly urged the President to provide Sri Lanka, especially the North and the East with economic support in order to uplift the living standards of our people. The President of Indonesia informed Mr. Sampanthan that his delegation to Sri Lanka includes prominent business people who are willing to invest in Sri Lanka, and Indonesia is very much keen to have economic ties with Sri Lanka, he also reminded that the two nations a longstanding friendship which goes over six decades.

“Briefing the President on the current efforts to find a solution the national question, Mr. Sampanthan said we are committed to finding a solution within the framework of united undivided and indivisible Sri Lanka. Our willingness after a long armed struggle must be appreciated and this opportunity must not be missed and put to maximum use to find a lasting solution to the national question. The President of Sri Lanka and the Prime Minister must convey the importance of adopting a new Constitution to the people and convince the people that the requirement of a new Constitution is essential for all people in Sri Lanka he added.

” Sampanthan highlighted that due the conflict fifty percent of the Tamil population has left the country and a large number of them are highly qualified professionals. By addressing the national question through a new Constitution is vital to stop such things in the future he added.

“The Indonesian President assured that Indonesia is committed to corporate with Sri Lanka in the process of nation-building and to the enhancement of economy and capacity building.

Sampanthan conveyed his thanks to the President and his delegation and wished them for a successful visit. “