Government is ready to engage continuously in discussions with TNA

Tamil National Alliance Leader R.Sampanthan said that at the talks the party held with President Maithripala Sirisena on 24 June he had  agreed to discuss continuously with the Tamil National Alliance on finding a permanent political solution to the long-lasting ethnic problem and other problems. Former President  Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga Mavai Senathirajah, M.A. Sumanthiran, Pon Selvarajah and Selvam Adaikalanathan participated at the meeting.

A  TNA media release  said:

For a meeting that lasted more than hour, the steps needed to be taken for reaching a permanent resolution were analyzed. It was mainly discussed about finding a political solution that would fulfill the aspirations of Tamils and a one that can be accepted by all parties concerned. Also there was a discussion regarding some specific problems that people face in the North East.

In particular, the release of prisoners detained under Prevention of Terrorism Act, immediate steps needed to be taken regarding missing persons, the issue of arrest of old fighters when they return back to country,  livelihood issues of women-headed households and the issue of unreleased lands even after promise of the release were discussed.

It is said that the president has promised to take actions against them swiftly and also he will hold discussions with Tamil National Alliance on this matter.