http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=39820


UK has no regrets over defeat of terrorism in SL, says British HCNovember 25, 2011, 8:54 pm
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The government believes that a visit to the Eastern Province undertaken by British High Commissioner, John James Rankin, is timely, particularly in view of the ongoing attempts by the international arm of the LTTE, including those living in the UK, to undermine Sri Lanka’s post-war development process. Government sources said the three-day visit, which concluded on Thursday (Nov. 24), would have helped the British to make a realistic assessment of the ground situation.
The External Affairs Ministry said that diplomatic missions were free to organize visits to Northern and Eastern provinces, where they could meet people of all communities affected by the conflict.
HC Rankin met Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, Sivenesanthurai Chandrakanthan aka Pilleyan at the CM’s Secretariat, Kanniya Road,Varothayanagar. He also had a discussions with EP Governor Rear Admiral (Retd), Mohan Wijewickrama at Governor’s Secretariat, Lower Road, Orr’s Hill and Government Agent of Trincomalee Maj. Gen. (retd) T.T. Ranjith Silva and the Deputy Mayor of Batticaloa.
The Defence Ministry said that a fresh review of the situation in the Eastern Province would help the UK identify Sri Lankans who sought asylum in that country citing security concerns, though the war had ended over two years ago.
The British HC said that Rankin also took the opportunity to visit the Kiliveddy IDP site in Trincomalee and the Kithuluthuwa village in Morawewa, home to a resettled Sinhalese community.
The British HC spokesperson quoted the High Commissioner as having said: ""This is my first visit to the East, which is a fascinating and beautiful part of Sri Lanka. I have found it extremely valuable to meet so many people from the Muslim, Sinhalese and Tamil communities and to see the diversity of people here. Nowhere is it more obvious that Sri Lanka’s different people must work together, after years of conflict, to bring a sustainable peace to the country."
The LTTE was defeated in the East in June 2007.
The British HC spokesperson said that Rankin had met Senior DIG Jagath Abeysirigunawardena to discuss the community policing programme-a joint programme between the UK Government and the Sri Lankan Police. "The programme helps to promote positive relationships between the police and communities by training Assistant Superintendents from across the country on community policing issues, and sharing the UK experience of how the police can work with communities to carry out their policing functions more effectively."
HC Rankin also visited the Trincomalee harbour – the world’s fifth largest natural harbour – which is of strategic importance, historically and commercially; and met the members of the Trincomalee Chamber of Commerce. Rankin was quoted as having said: "I am pleased to hear that the skills and opportunities exist for increased trade and investment in the East, and that tourist numbers are increasing. I hope that this will also play a part in promoting reconciliation in the province."
Rankin’s tour began in Ampara last Tuesday, where he had a number of meetings, including one with a number of community-based organisations, representatives of government and political parties.
The High Commissioner said: "I have been touched by the warm welcome we have received from people here. To me it is important to get out in the country and meet people. Today has emphasised to me the importance of community in ensuring that people have control over their own lives. The organisations and individuals I’ve met today have all shown me the strength of communities in the East in weathering the bad times and looking forward to better."
The visit included a meeting with the Muslim community in Kalmunai, where opinion leaders shared their perspectives with the High Commissioner. HC visited two mosques attacked by the LTTE in 1990 killing 103 Muslims while at prayer. Paying his respects to the dead and their families, the High Commissioner reiterated that the UK had no regrets over the end of terrorism and hoped no such tragedy would occur again.
The High Commissioner met representatives of the Buddhist community at the Deegawapi archaeological site, where he saw local workers excavating an ancient temple. He also made a visit to Sightsavers, an organisation part funded by the Scottish Government that helps disabled people. The High Commissioner presented assistive devices to recipients and praised the valuable service rendered by the organisation.