British HC defends UK govt. members attending GTF conference
Posted on March 9th, 2013
By Shamindra Ferdinando Courtesy The Island
The British High Commission yesterday said that the participation of senior government members at the recently concluded third anniversary conference of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) in the House of Commons shouldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t be considered as an endorsement of “every policy position taken by the host or partner organization.”ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
A spokesman for the British High Commission was responding to a query byƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The Island whether Deputy Premier Nick Clegg and Conservative Party Chairman Grant Shapps participation meant the British government supported the GTFƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s call to shift Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from Sri Lanka.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Ministers regularly attended various community events hosted in Parliament to demonstrate their support for those communities as well as recognize their contribution to the UK, the spokesperson said.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
In the run-up to the GTF conference on Feb 27, the Sri Lankan government told the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that participation of UK government members would be detrimental to ongoing national reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
Asked whether the ruling coalition comprising Conservatives and Liberal Democrats had approved the GTF conference in the House of Commons, the spokesperson said that the grouping had the support of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPG-T). The official said that APPG-T didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t form part of the government therefore its participation didnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t reflect British support for the GTF.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ A senior GoSL official alleged that APPG-T had been working closely with the GTF for some time, while recalling the circumstances under which Vice Chair of the grouping recommended the production team responsible for Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Killing Fields for Nobel Peace prize last year.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
Commenting on the forthcoming CHOGM, the official said: “As the UK has repeatedly stated, we have not yet decided on the level of any attendance at CHOGM, but we will be looking to Sri Lanka, as we would any host, to demonstrate its commitment to upholding Commonwealth values. The UK has consistently called for an independent, thorough and credible investigation into the allegations of war crimes. We believe that the process of reconciliation between Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s communities has a greater chance of success if investigations are Sri Lankan led rather than externally imposed.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ We will continue to work with international partners to support the Sri Lankan people in their pursuit of enduring peace and reconciliation, including with the assistance of relevant international organizations.”ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
Asked why the Chilcot Inquiry decided to further delay the final report, the official said: “The Inquiry into the Iraq War, led by Sir John Chilcot, is independent of government. In his most recent letter to the Prime Minister in July of 2012, Sir John said that the Inquiry would present its report once any witnesses facing potential criticism have had the chance to respond and present their case. This process is due to begin around the middle of 2013.”
March 9th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
British High (Spy) Commission of Colombo the place LTTE deputy leader, terrorist Anton Balasingham worked as a low profile translator. If he was a qualified person never work as a translator.
It is a well known fact that the terrorist Balasingham was trained and later offered British citizenship to him. Then they have given him an honorary doctorate from a British university. Later he became a spokes person to tamil terrorism and he had to admit that LTTE murdered Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The other worst scenario is Anton Balasingham’s wife Adela Balasingham was the leader of LTTE tamil terrorist suicide squad. She is still a British Citizen and residing in London with V.I.P status.
Consider these two facts what we can expect more from British High Commission of Colombo. It is the main tamil terrorist den in Colombo and almost tamil terrorist’s Colombo head quarters. If BHC in Colombo’s character is that then London tamil meetings are negligible. Nothing to surprise even if tamil terrorist are lodge in Backingham.
March 9th, 2013 at 5:36 pm
British gave safe haven to Anton Balasingham and his wife Adele Balasingham. The former is responsible for the killing of 600 Sri Lankan police men who surrendered to the LTTE under the orders of the low life Premadasa. The LTTE drained all the blood of these policemen before executing them in cold blood. “Aunty Adele” is responsible for child soldiers as well the women black tigers who carried out suicide attacks. She is still looked after by the British as a VIP.
Britain’s blood soaked hands are evident everywhere in the current ‘show’ at the UNHCR. It is they who are behind the Americans. Of course the US has its geopolitical agenda to destabilise the entirety of South Asia. Sri Lanka is only the stepping stone to balkanise India. This the Indian idiots should understand.
Shame on you Britain!
March 10th, 2013 at 6:47 am
Today England is certainly a safe haven for Western friendly terrorists like Adele Balasingham. Today Father Emanual and others who supported LTTE crimes against humanity are enjoying luxurious lives in the UK, with the black money the LTTE amassed over the years. England is also the proud host to Channel 4 the notorious TV station manufacturing lies to support LTTE false propoganda.
This being the disgraceful conduct of England, how can they demand accountability from other nations, even if the other nations have committed “war crimes”?
If countries like England, Canada etc keep away from the forthcoming CHOGM meeting, SriLanka should consider it a great honour.