BBS says yes to Diaspora fest; but on conditions

The dialogue between Diaspora and the Government had become popular after the discussion held by the Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera with a group in London, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera said yesterday.

“The Foreign Minister should come to Colombo to have a discussion with the Sinhala Buddhist Forces after the Tamil Diaspora discussion,” the Thera said. “The word Diaspora has became a “Political Topic” in our country with the LTTE terrorism rising. It is questionable as to whether the Foreign Minister could have discussion with an organisation that has links with the LTTE, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation” Ven. Gnanasara

What is to be defeated was Tamil separatism and terrorism. It is not anyone’s target to defeat the Tamil people

Thera said.

“What is to be defeated is Tamil separatism and terrorism. It is not anyone’s target to defeat the Tamil people. However, the government was unable to win over the Tamil people to celebrate the victory gained in 2009 after defeating terrorism.

“Tamil Diaspora is very powerful among other Diasporas. It is clearly more powerful than the Sinhala Diaspora.

“Tamil Diaspora, Sinhala Diaspora and the Muslim Diaspora are now divided in the country. Today we need to build “Our Diaspora”. However, if someone starts to talk on this matter again we will be divided again. “The Foreign Minister is a good organiser. He accepts dangers on behalf of others. But performing Diaspora Festival at the end of this year should be done very carefully. Otherwise that will be a “National Disaster”. As the Bodu Bala Sena organisation, we have no objection on having this festival. However, it should be held under conditions proposed by us,” he said.