Boggles summons British HC

24 February 2010 10:46 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Dianne Silva

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama had summoned the British Acting High Commissioner in Colombo this morning to express Sri Lanka’s strong opposition towards British Foreign Secretary David Miliband attending the Global Tamil Forum Conference in London.

The Conference is believed to be in support of a separate state in Sri Lanka and Minister Bogollagama said that by attending the conference Miliband will be going against Britain’s policies on separatism.

The Minister quoted from the statement of Secretary Milliband and expressed that whatever his intentions the presence of such a high level UK official at a conference of this nature would send mixed signals to the International community. “Whatever his intentions may be, his physical presence there will give manifestations to the support of a separatist organisation,” Bogollagama said.

“I will be addressing the forthcoming London Conference of the Global Tamil Forum to encourage a forward looking and constructive approach,” Miliband had told the House of Commons.

“The Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Elam, which is attached to the Global Tamil Forum, is a direct threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka,” Minister Bogollagama has told the acting High Commissioner.

“It’s not what his idea was of being there. The seeming support of any front organisation will have consequences in the way it will be perceived by the International Community and the Sri Lankan community,” the Minister reiterated.

Minister Bogollagama said the government had taken serious note of this statement and the implications it would have. “I informed the High Commissioner that his (Millliband) presence would slur the reputation of the UK’s support to counter terrorism,” the Foreign Minister said.

“This statement has gotten worldwide attention and the government of Sri Lanka has taken serious note of this statement,” the Minister said.

Comments - 13

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 04:17 PM

Are you in faovour of LTTE ?
Miliband has criticised the LTTE and you are shouting at the British Govt:
Who is off head ?

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 11:38 AM

Three is no physical terrorism in srilanka now, then why cry over this other than solving amicable ithe ethinic issue will be ok for srilankans future

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 11:46 AM

We need more stronger ties with powerful nations sir, not tit for tat tactics

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 06:03 PM

FM always put his foot in his mouth

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:04 PM

BOOGLES, FOR YOUR INFORMATION , BRITAIN IS NOT A COLONY OF SRI LANKA TO DICTATE TERMS TO THEM. Why you are bothered if he attends?????????????

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:24 PM

I think Mr. Minister was panic to comment on Miliband statement

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:24 PM

I think FM put the Cart before the horse.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:27 PM

What if Miliband turns round and says this is an "internal matter" and other countries should not "interfere in sovereign, independent nations".

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 08:28 PM

So, SL is now concerned about perceptions and mixed signals? Just like we don't want them telling us 'to act in accordance with our own law,' I dont think they will care much about us complaining that they are 'going against Britain’s policies on separatism.'

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:42 PM

It is election time here, He too have to dance to the tune of voters. Mr.Boggols after the election he wont talk about it.same election promises applies both part of the world.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:52 PM

That is the way it should be. Well thought out.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:33 PM

Minister ask them to go & fly a kite !.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:55 PM

Yes. Quite rightly.

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Boggles summons British HC

Comments - 13

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