Sampanthan meets with visiting Singapore Prime Minister

The leader of the Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party, R. Sampanthan met with visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today in Colombo. 

Mr Sampanthan briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation with regard to the Constitution making process and highlighted the importance of both President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka working together in bringing the whole process to a successful end. 

Further, Mr Sampanthan stressed the need for the President and the Prime Minister to educate the Sinhala people on the new Constitution and to remove the unnecessary fears being spread among the Sinhala people about the new Constitution.

A press release from the TNA said that Mr Sampanthan noted, that “the present powers that are given to the Provincial councils are inadequate. Mr Sampanthan said that the Tamil people in the North and the East are wanting a solution within a united undivided and indivisible Sri Lanka, and the new Constitution must address the long-standing aspirations of the Tamil people in this country. Further, he said that “we will not accept a deceptive solution we want genuine power-sharing arrangements where people will be able to exercise powers with regard to matters that are related to them in daily life. The new Constitution must be enacted this year Mr Sampanthan noted, “this issue cannot remain unresolved” he added. He further added, “unfortunately as a country we have gone on wrong path, but now it’s time for us to put things in order”. 

Mr Sampanthan appealed to the Prime Minister to encourage Singapore investors to invest in Sri Lanka, particularly in the North and East. He further added that “the young people in the North and the East are hardworking and dedicated, but unfortunately due to the war they have been deprived of jobs and opportunities to develop their skills”. “Singapore and its people must come forward to contribute to help our people to develop their skills and knowledge and also bring in investment that will create more jobs for our young people” he added. 

Mr Sampanthan highlighted the enormous potential that is available in the North and the East, making a special reference to Trincomalee Mr Sampanthan said Singapore must consider investing in Trincomalee as it has got a natural harbour and other resources. Further, he said, “that these investments will be a great strength to the achievement of reconciliation in this country. 

The Singapore Prime Minister assured that he will discuss with Singapore investors regarding Hon. Sampanthan’s request for investment in the North and the East and promised that he will pay a visit to Trincomalee on his next visit, he further said, “I am thankful to the Tamil people of Sri Lanka for the contribution they have made towards the development of Singapore”,he added.