British HC pays first visit to N/E
He was touched by the cheerfulness and openness of so many people for whom events of past years have been so traumatic
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris who paid his first official visit to the Northern Province from May 27 to 29 said he was touched by the cheerfulness and openness of so many people for whom events of past years have been so traumatic and who are, with good reason, looking forward for a brighter future.
The British High Commission in Colombo in a statement after the visit said during the newly appointed High Commissioner’s visit, he called on Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Nandana Udawatta, several security officials and local politicians. He had also met Jaffna Bishop Rt. RevThomas Saundaranayagam, sources said.
Commenting on his visit Mr. Dauris said, “For me this has been a very valuable and interesting visit. I learned much from all kinds of people in difficult situations. Understanding the difficulties, hopes and worries of people in the North is essential for a person like me.”
He visited the newly resettled families in Valalai and Palaly South and the Keppapilavu relocated village, both being co-ordinated by the UNHCR. He witnessed first-hand, how the UK-funded de-mining operation run by The HALO Trust in Muhamalai was clearing land of thousands of landmines, so that it could be re-used by local communities.
At the Puthukkudiyiruppu Police Station, he observed how a programme run by The Asia Foundation was implementing good community policing practices and helping to prepare police officers to handle cases involving women and children. He also visited the young team at the Sri Lanka Unites Reconciliation Centre in Mulliyawalai who were collaborating to promote ideals of reconciliation and inclusivity.
For me this has been a very valuable and interesting visit. I learned much from all kinds of people in difficult situations. Understanding the difficulties, hopes and worries of people in the North is essential for a person like me