TULF urges govt. to expedite displaced resettlement

[TamilNet, Saturday, 18 January 2003, 20:42 GMT]
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), main constituent of the Tamil National Alliance Saturday urged the United National Front government to expeditiously take steps to enable the displaced people to recommence normal life in their original places of residence. A resolution this effect was adopted at the central working committee meeting of the Tamil United Liberation Front held in Vavuniya Saturday.

At the conclusion of the meeting the Secretary General of the TULF Mr.R.Sampanthan issued a statement to the press.

The statement follows: -

The central committee of the TULF met under the chairmanship of the President Mr.V.Anandasangaree at Vavuniya on 18 January 2003. The following resolution was adopted:

The TULF records it’s appreciation of the substantial progress made in the four rounds of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The flexibility displayed by the parties demonstrates their firm commitment to the evolution of a just durable and final solution The talks have led to the consolidation of the ceasefire, the taking of steps to resettle and rehabilitate displaced people, reconstruct the ravaged North-East, and evolve a political solution. It is worthy to note, that agreement has been reached between the parties in regard to the continuous of a final political solution.

The TULF also records its deep appreciation of the immensely valuable support rendered by the international community to further consolidate the peace progress. Such international support while according recognition to the constructive progress thus far achieved, also boosts the confidence of diverse sections of the Sri Lankan polity in the peace process.

The TULF deeply regrets the efforts being made by some to disturb the peace process; such forces are determined to ensure that majoritarian hegemony continues in Sri Lanka, and that the multi-cultural diversity prevalent within the Sri Lankan polity is recognized. The TULF however recognizes that the vast majority of people within the Sri Lankan polity are fully supportive of the peace process, and that such attempts to disturb the peace process will therefore not succeed.

The TULF considers the efforts, to forge in alliance- between the Sri Lanka Freedom party and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna as being unprincipled and opportunistic. The JVP’s views on the continuance majoritarian hegemony and the rejection of multi-cultural diversity are well known. The TULF states that such an alliance must inevitably alienate the Sri Lankan Freedom Party from all segments of Sri Lankan polity that seek the recognition of multi-cultural diversity.

The TULF reiterates its commitment to the resettlement of all displaced persons in their areas of original residence. This is the fundamental human right of every displaced person. To condemn such displaced to the continued status of refugees would be a denial of their human dignity and liberty.

The TULF emphasizes that such resettlement can be carried out without the impairment of security concerns, and urges the government to expeditiously take steps to enable the displaced people to recommence normal life in their original places of residence.