The UK has no regrets over the end of terrorism and hoped no such tragedy would occur again, said British High Commissioner, John Rankin during his three day tour to the East.

The British High Commissioner yesterday (22) began the tour starting in the Ampara District. He had a variety of meetings, including with a number of community-based organisations, representatives of government and political parties, states the British High Commission in Colombo.

"I have been touched by the warm welcome we have received from people here. To me it is important to get out in the country and meet people. Today has emphasised to me the importance of community in ensuring that people have control over their own lives,” he said. The organisations and individuals I've met today have all shown me the strength of communities in the East in weathering the bad times and looking forward to better," the High Commissioner added.

The visit included a meeting with the Muslim community in Kalmunai, where individuals from different parts of the community shared their perspectives with the High Commissioner. It also included a visit to two mosques which were subject to a brutal LTTE attack in 1990, in which 103 died.

Eastern Sri Lanka is home to all of the country's different religions and the High Commissioner met representatives of the Buddhist community at the Deegawapi archaeological site, where he saw local workers excavating an ancient temple.

He also made a visit to Sightsavers, an organisation part funded by the Scottish Government that helps disabled people to have full lives and integrate into their communities. The High Commissioner presented assistive devices to recipients and praised the important work of the organisation.