Some ‘concerns remain’ in the North – British envoy

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin, who recently engaged in a visit to the war-torn Northern Province of Sri Lanka, says that the region is moving forward from its difficult past, however pointed out that “some concerns remain.”

Rankin made a three-day visit to the Northern Province (Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya) on 1-3 September, 2014. He met government and military officials, members of political parties, the police, the British Council, humanitarian organisations and resettled communities.

 The High Commissioner said he was pleased to visit the North again to see for himself the current situation on the ground, the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain.

Ranking also stated that he was happy to meet those involved in addressing concerns and restoring normality to the region.

“In my discussions, it was clear that the region is moving forward from its difficult past, but some concerns remain,” he said, in a press release issued on Friday.

The British High Commissioner said he met several recently resettled families in Puthukkudiyiruppu and that they spoke frankly about the issues their communities face – including a lack of housing and employment. 

“I strongly hope that these communities can live their lives free from reprisals and are able to have their voices heard,” he said.

Ranking stated that the Northern Province is one of the most fascinating places in Sri Lanka, “as it rebuilds and rejuvenates itself from its legacy of war.”

Welcoming the steps taken by the Sri Lankan government in these areas, he said it is encouraging to see firsthand the progress made in areas such as demining and resettlement.

“I also urge the government to continue taking further steps to improve the livelihoods of the people of the Northern Province, address their concerns and allow them to move forward into a brighter future in a stable and peaceful Sri Lanka. The UK will continue to support these efforts.”

11:49 AM