Director General of the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process Mr Bernard Goonatillake led a delegation, comprising representatives of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, NDB Bank and National Development Trust Fund to Kilinochchci today. The delegation was received warmly by Mr. Tamilselvan, Leader of the Political Wing of the LTTE.
The main thrust of the discussion was the expeditious development of the Wanni, consonant with a national strategy for development. The imperative of assisting the areas affected by the conflict and facilitating the economic upliftment of the civilian population, including through micro-financing, received attention. The discussion focused on enabling people to resume their normal economic activities, and also restoring and rehabilitating the networks of roads, irrigation tanks and agricultural and fishing industries, with greater market access to other areas.
The representatives of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation stressed the Bank's long - held policy to undertake activities in conditions of security and in
situations of durable peace. In response, the LTTE re-affirmed its firm commitment to achieving lasting peace in Sri Lanka. It also pledged to cooperate on practical programmes, keeping the long term development of the region in view.
Mr. Tamilselvan stated that they would study the possible areas for development. It was agreed that the dialogue with the financial institutions would continue in the future to work out concrete programmes. Such programmes will be implemented through region- based partnership organizations for the benefit of the civilian population.
The discussion, which lasted two and a half hours, was followed by a visit of the delegation to Iranamadu area where the Agricultural Faculty of the University of Jaffna, was located prior to its shifting to Jaffna in 1996. The LTTE expressed its interest in relocating the faculty back at Kilinochchi.
Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
