Govt. will have to talk to TNA due to international pressure – Sampanthan

By Dinasena Ratugamage

The government could no longer avoid addressing the issues faced by the Tamil people because of the strict international supervision, TNA leader MP R. Sampanthan said.

MP Sampanthan made this statement when journalists asked him about the postponement of the discussions between the President and the TNA.

“The government is hesitating to meet the TNA and discuss the issues because they did not want to give the impression that they are giving into international pressure. I think this is the reason why this discussion was also postponed,” the TNA leader said.

MP Sampanthan said that the EU parliament passed a resolution against Sri Lanka recently and that among the main concerns of the EU was the mistreatment of the minorities and the misuse of the Prevention of terrorism Act.

“Moreover recently, the US appointed a Tamil person to a top position. This is a clear indication that they care about the Tamil people. The international community, that cares deeply about the issues faced by the Tamils, has asked the Sri Lankan government to adhere to a number of recommendations that they have given,” he said.

The international community would increase pressure on the government more in the coming years, MP Sampanthan said. Most countries were opposed to the LTTE but they were also opposed to suppressing the Tamils, he said.

“All Sri Lankan governments had admitted that the Tamil people are facing unique issues and had pledged to find a political solution. Now they can’t back down,” he said.