Lifting Tamil diaspora ban a positive step forward – Solheim

Last Updated on September 10, 2022 by Lankae Cast

Lifting the ban on certain Tamil diaspora groups and individuals was a positive step forward by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, says former Norwegian peace envoy on Sri Lanka, Erik Solheim.

“I commend President Ranil Wickremesinghe for taking that step,” he said.

Speaking with journalist Lahiru Doloswala for Newscutter YouTube channel, Solheim said: “The Sri Lankan diaspora is the most successful diaspora anywhere in the world. Most of them are Tamils, some of them are Sinhalese. They are doctors, stock brokers and engineers.”

While the diaspora can bring in investment as well as their knowledge and expertise to Sri Lanka, he added, it is important that authorities take concrete steps for national reconciliation.

While removing the ban on certain Tamil groups and individuals, however, Wickremesinghe government has added several new names, including a Muslim poet.

Solheim said the Tamil ethnic issue is underpinning everything, as Sri Lanka is yet to find a long-lasting solution.

“So, if a solution to the ethnic crisis can be found, it will benefit Sri Lanka enormously in economic terms.”