Memorandum

Memorandum to the Government of Sri Lanka from the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora

Introduction:
At the conclusion of a two-day dialogue in Colombo from 28th to 29th March 2009, between the Government of Sri Lanka and a group of 21 participants from 09 countries drawn from Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora, this Memorandum was submitted for the consideration of the Government of Sri Lanka.

Vision:
Making peace is more difficult than making war. But a start has to be made somewhere. It is hoped that this dialogue will be one of many endevours leading to a road map for all communities in Sri Lanka to co-exit in a non-violent environment.

Objective:
The primary Mission is to engage the Sri Lankan Government in realizing the vision as outlined above. The way forward lies in a two pronged approach, namely on the economic and political fronts.

Memorandum:

1. The Diaspora Tamils believe that LTTE gave protection to the Tamil people. In the absence of this “protection” and amidst anti-Tamil rhetoric from certain members of the Government, most Tamils perceive a sense of insecurity to live in Sri Lanka.
2. We recognize the urgent need for a democratic and interactive leadership to evolve amongst the Tamils.
3. The Government of Sri Lanka must make efforts to ensure:
   • Safety and security of all Tamils in Sri Lanka;
   • Due process of law and order to become the bedrock;
   • The re-assurance of the Tamils that they are not a defeated people and that the defeat of the LTTE is not the defeat of the Tamils;
   • Political and religious leaders should repeatedly assure Tamils that they are equal and valued citizens of Sri Lanka, whose culture and way of life will be permitted to flourish within a united Sri Lanka;
   • At least the State media – print, radio & TV – to project such perceptions within zeal.
4. The 13th Amendment to the constitution of Sri Lanka as presently enacted should be implemented in letter and spirit to the fullest possible extent, immediately.
5. Short term measures to be implemented in the North:
   • all efforts should be to taken to serve the lives of the civilians trapped in the conflict area and the surrendering LTTE cadres to be handled compassionately;
   • re-settlement of IDPs to their original homes and habitations should be handled with reasonable speed and sensitivity;
   • rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts should start immediately to encourage those who have been dispersed throughout the island to return to their original places of habitation;
   • elections in the North should be held only after the guns have been silenced and violence ceases; conditions should be created for “true democracy” to come into play before elections are held;
   • a nominated transitional Provincial Council should manage affairs in the North until conditions conducive to conduct democratic elections are established, pending improvements to it by the APRC.
6. The Diaspora should be invited to:
   • A:
     i) play a greater role in the rebuilding of the North and the East;
     ii) contribute material and expertise to the rebuilding efforts;
     iii) Funds for (a) cultural and educational development, (b) medical and health services, (c) reconstruction and development should be generated in consultation with the Diaspora.
   • B: The Government should liaise with a constructive group of the Diaspora to continue the dialogue that has been initiated on this occasion and to expand its scope.

Sri Lankan Diaspora
Colombo
30 March 2009