GTF engages in reconciliation dialogue with Mahanayake Theras

• Visit Dalada Maligawa  
• Plans to meet Mahinda Rajapaksa, other leaders 

In a landmark step in Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts, Global Tamil Forum (GTF), a key Diaspora group that campaigned for the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka, held talks with the Mahanayake Theras of the two main chapters and visited Dalada Maligawa. 

 
In a joint communiqué with the organisation called ‘Sangha for Better Sri Lanka’, it said, “We have been engaging nearly for a year with the intention of promoting understanding and peace among all the different communities in Sri Lanka.   

The preliminary structured engagement in Nagarkot (Nepal) in April 2023 helped us see each other’s point of view and jointly create a framework to start this national conversation. We arrived at the ‘Himalaya Declaration’ (of the above title) to guide the continuation of this important first-of-its-kind initiative in Sri Lanka and the Diaspora communities.   

Today marks the official start of a national conversation within Sri Lanka.   

We call on every citizen of Sri Lanka not only to join us in this national conversation, but also to start your own conversations with each other. We are committed to making this vision a reality together with you. We have every confidence that the silent majority in all communities (Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim) will rise to their civic duty and turn this national conversation into a genuine national movement. The prize at stake is a new dawn where every citizen can live peacefully with dignity, trust, and no fear or suspicion, enjoying equal rights,” it said.   

GTF spokesman Suren Surendiran told Daily Mirror that they would hold talks with the political leaders, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Also, there will be a meeting called for by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena with all the MPs.