Canadian PM pledges long term support
[January 18, 2005 - 10.00 GMT]

The Canadian Premier Paul Martin called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday (Jan 17). Having already been to the East Prime Minister Martin told the President he has not seen a disaster of this magnitude. President thanked the Canadian Premier for his concern and his visit she requested him to convey to the people of Canada her gratitude for all the assistance in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami.

Prime Minister Martin said Canada would continue to assist Sri Lanka to rebuild the lives of those affected. He recalled the close links between the two countries since the Colombo Plan was signed in 1950’s at a time his father was Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

President Kumaratunga briefed the Canadian PM about the damage caused by the 26/12 catastrophe and the relief measures put in place by the Government. She said that Sri Lanka perhaps has the longest written contemporary history in the Mahawamsa’. 

The President touched on the current political situation and the ethnic issue; she said the Constitution now in place does not reflect the true sentiments of the voters. This is she explained was due to the proportional representation system which can never throw up a stable Government capable which could work for the benefit of the country.  

She spoke of her unstinted commitment to reach a negotiated settlement with the LTTE, President Kumaratunga explained to the Canadian PM how her Government attempted a constitutional solution to the protracted ethnic issue and presented North East problem in 1995 and again in 2000 via a draft bill. President Kumaratunga then briefed the visiting Prime Minister on the status of the present ceasefire and Norwegian facilitation.

Prime Minister Martin queried how the international community could assist the Government’s peace efforts. President Kumaratunga said that the Diplomatic community and the UN Agencies in Colombo can persuade the LTTE to come to the negotiation table. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said the LTTE’s firm stance on the nature of an interim administration is causing the present delay direct peace talks. He also referred to the Oslo declaration where the LTTE had agreed to a federal solution within a united Sri Lanka in November 2002.

Canadian Government’s Health Minister Ujal Dosanjh, the Canadian envoy in Colombo Valerie Raymond, Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, and Foreign Secretary H. M. G. S. Palihakkara were among those present.

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Last Updated Date: January 18, 2005 - 10.00 GMT