“We believe that it is only through the devolution of power that we can build up a united and prosperous Sri Lanka, says the joint statement released by the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), and Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF- Pathamanabha) on the solution of the ethnic problem 0n 18 April 2007

In view of the pathetic plight, violence and the destruction faced by our people and to strive to find a political solution, we the TULF, The EPRLF (Pathmanabha) and the PLOTE as a first step had been working together for some time.

The chairman of the all party representative committee appointed by His Excellency the president, Honorable Prof. Tissa Vitharana had put forward certain basic Proposals. At the same time the president of the TULF V.Anandasangaree had been propagating the Indian model for a long time. The president of the PLOTE D.Sithadthan had appeared before the APRC and emphasized on a federal solution and the EPRLF (Pathmanabha) had submitted a detailed Proposal to the APRC. The above proposals could find the basis to take forward the devolution process. In our opinion taking these as the basis for discussions will accelerate the finding a final solution.

We are strongly of the opinion that quick action should be taken at this juncture to find a solution, for the 60 years old problem. The people are so tried of the war which caused immense loss of life and massive destruction for the last 30 years.

While addressing the day to day problems and hardships faced by the people, the Government should give top priority to find a permanent solution, as desired by the Tamil people who respect democracy and are yearning for peace.

Every displaced person is keen to resettle peacefully in his/her respective place with a permanent solution found.

Radical constitutional changes should be made to devolve powers based on federalism. Even if the constitution is not termed as “Federal”, the sprit of it should be based on the Indian model which could be acceptable to all section of the people.

Since a lot of controversies had been created in the merger of North –East, we wish to make our position clear. It is an undeniable fact that the people of North – East are the most affected, compared to the all the other part of the country.

We believe a reasonable solution could be found only within a merged North-East administration, because problems faced by the people of North – East, are more inter- related.

This will also help to resettle all those who are displaced to their original places of residence, irrespective of the ethnicity or creed.

We insist, the security concerns, aspirations and the rights of the various communities should be guaranteed by constitutional provisions.

There should be constitutional guarantee to enjoy equal rights by every citizen of this country.

Sri Lanka being a multi racial multi religious multi linguistic and multi cultural country all appointments and nominations to various government organizations and institutions both at the central and regional level should be made proportional to the population of each group. The same procedure should be adopted in the electoral reforms too.

We believe that it is only through the devolution of power that we can build up a united and prosperous Sri Lanka

We appeal to every political and social group that accepts our stand, join hands with us.

V.Anandasangaree
President
TULF

D.Sidathan
President
PLOTE

T.Sritharan
General Secretary
EPRLF (Pathmanabha)