GOVT. CANNOT DEVIATE FROM THAT MANDATE FOR ANY REASON – SAMAPTHAN

10/03/2018

In a meeting with the visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr Jeffrey Feltman, R. Sampanthan, leader of the TNA has stressed that the present Government must continue to implement the mandate received by it, and that cannot deviate from that mandate for any reason. Expressing his views Mr Sampanthan said, that this Government cannot fail to proceed with the Constitution making process.

Press release by the TNA follows:

The Tamil National Alliance led by Hon. R Sampanthan along with Hon Mavai Senathirajah, Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan Hon Sitharthan and Hon Sumanthiran met with the visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr Jeffrey Feltman, today (09^th March 2018) at the office of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

Mr Sampanthan apprised the Under-Secretary-General of the current political situation in Sri Lanka especially the situation after the recently concluded Local Government elections. Mr Sampanthan stressed that the present Government must continue to implement the mandate received by it, and that cannot deviate from that mandate for any reason. Expressing his views Mr Sampanthan said, that this Government cannot fail to proceed with the Constitution making process. If it abandons the process it would only means that the state is unable to comply with the resolution unanimously adopted by the Sri Lankan Parliament for the enactment of a constitution for Sri Lanka as one single undivided indivisible country. Mr Sampanthan urged the Under-Secretary-General that the international community must play a constructive role in this matter.

Speaking about the UNHRC resolution, Mr Sampanthan stressed that the resolution must be implemented fully. He further requested closer engagement of the international community in this regard to hold the Government of Sri Lanka accountable for its own commitments. He further said, undue delay in adhering to the resolution has made people lose confidence in the Government and its structures. He urged that the international community must ensure that commitments are fulfilled without undue delay, and submitted that the International community has an obligation towards the Tamil people in achieving a lasting solution to the national question.

The UN Under-Secretary-General informed the TNA delegation that he has raised concerns with the President with regard to some of these matters. He further noted, that he will brief the High Commissioner of the UNHRC on his return about the concerns raised by the TNA members. He also thanked Mr Sampanthan and the TNA delegation for their continuous support and assured that the UN’s commitment to work closely with Sri Lanka will continue to remain the same.

Press Release issued by TNA.