http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111226_02

LLRC report points out ways to defeat hostile diaspora groups
The Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation (LLRC) stated that the while some 'Tamil diaspora groups' seek to contribute constructively to broad based reconciliation efforts, some other diaspora groups, especially, thosedescribed by some as supporting the LTTE, seem to adopt an adversarial approach.
According to the Report released recently by the LLRC, these 'hostile diaspora groups' can potentially undermine the genuine efforts in Sri Lanka towards reconciliation.
Therefore, the report states that the Government together with the relevant stakeholders, especially civil society, should develop a comprehensive approach to harness the potential of the expatriate community.
Meanwhile the LLRC Report pointed out several steps that can be taken by the Government and civil society to defeat these adversarial 'Tamil diaspora groups'.
The Report recommends that the Government engage the elected representatives of the minority parties in a meaningful dialogue on devolution and other grievances.
Themost efficacious way to make the 'hostile diaspora groups' irrelevant will be to make the local minority parties relevant through a structured dialogue that has visibility and recognition at a high political level, the Report stated.
It goes on to note that the Government should take action to constructively engage those groups that still harbor adversarial attitudes and the LTTE approach of separation, and find space for those groups to contribute to the local reconciliation and development efforts.
Engaging in a proactive diplomatic initiative with the international community, especially those countries that host these diaspora groups, is another measure the LLRC recommends.
The Report went on to state that the purpose of this initiative should be to brief those countries on the meaningful dialogue referred to above and the effective and visible action being taken to address the post-conflict issues, including the implementation of recommendations of the present Commission.
It is by doing so that the Government can persuade the host countries to listen less to these hostile diaspora groups, while being more receptive to the information provided by the Government, said the report.
In addition, the report further observed, the Government must also be proactive in encouraging and supporting the work of the expatriates who do not advocate the discarded LTTE ideology of violence and separation and who espouse the democratic principles of ethnic harmony and consensual politics.
The LLRC report advised the Government that it must also have more liberal policies and attitudes towards those expatriates who wish to invest and work in Sri Lanka, for instance by making it easier to obtain dual nationality status, effect remittances and be able to travel throughout the country without undue restrictions.
These elements require a carefully worked outprogramme of action on a broad front here in Sri Lanka and through the Sri Lanka diplomatic missions and with civil society groups here and abroad, the Report noted.
In addition to these measures, the Report appealed to the Government to take the initiative to constructively engage its development partners in Sri Lanka and abroad in order to develop a self-reliant, future oriented community in the Wanni, with open minds to build on and sustain reconciliatory community relationships.
According to the LLRC report, this is an area where the Sri Lankan 'diaspora' can support the Government of Sri Lanka, working in cooperation with the development partners in areas such as housing, schooling, healthcare and livelihood activities.
The Reportalso recommends that the Government constitute a Multi -DisciplinaryTask Force that will include representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, ExternalAffairs, Defense, Foreign Employment, the Private Sector, and Academia.
This, the report adds, is to propose aprogramme of action to harness the untapped potential of the expatriate community,and to respond to the concerns of the so-called 'hostile diaspora groups,' and to engagethem constructively with the Government and other stakeholders involved in thereconciliation process.
Moreover, the report warns that if such a comprehensive approach is not adopted urgently, the current momentum towards creating a hostile externalatmosphere could grow, and those groups that advocate such a process would continueto promote polarization that will significantly impair the genuine efforts of others whoespouse reconciliation back home in Sri Lanka.