FM calls for continued dialogue with Tamil Nadu MPs
Welcoming the members of the Indian Parliament from the constituencies in the State of Tamil Nadu at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14th October 2009, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama expressed his appreciation to the team for undertaking a visit to Sri Lanka in order to assess first hand, the current situation in Sri Lanka.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama recalled the invitation extended by H. E President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Hon. M. Karunanidhi and stated that the visit of the multiparty delegation which was currently in Sri Lanka was the outcome of the invitation. The Minister also noted that the delegation had been able to visit Sri Lanka, extending from the north of the country to Nuwara Eliya. The Minister also detailed the historical links between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu and emphasised the need to continue such interactions. Responding, Mr. T. R. Baalu, the leader of the delegation expressed his appreciation to the Foreign Minister for the arrangements made which enabled the delegation to visit many parts of Sri Lanka, particularly the north of Sri Lanka and the IDP welfare villages. Mr. Baalu stated that the Government of Sri Lanka was doing an “admirable job” and despite some shortcomings, which he conceded were common in such situations.
