(June 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, addressing a large gathering of people on the last 07th stated that it is only now the people of Jaffna have begun to derive the benefits of the Provincial Council System, established, especially for the well-being of the people of the North/East. And on behalf of the Tamil Speaking People he expressed his heartiest thanks to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse for the steps taken by the President in this regard.

Address by Hon Rohitha Bogollagama, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka on “A people’s mandate for democracy over terrorism in the east of Sri Lanka” – Carlton Club, London – 9 June 2008

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to be at the Carlton. As an overseas member I come here regularly during my visits to London. It is always a wonderful opportunity to meet up with my Tory friends on these occasions. My links with the Conservative party dates back two decades when I did a brief internship at its headquarters. Indeed I am very much aware that there are many friends of Sri Lanka among you. I cannot forget your generosity following the tsunami disaster in 2004 when you were generous enough to contribute as much as £27,000 for livelihood support, reconstruction and rehabilitation. This outpouring of assistance was a good testimony of our friendship. I believe Sri Lanka shares some historic links with this club. If I remember correctly Viscount Soulbury who was a Governor General of the then Ceylon, was a past chairman of this club.

The Executive Director
Freedom House
1301 Connecticut Ave. NW Floor 6
Washington, District of Columbia  20036
USA

Fax: 202-293-2840

10th June 2008

Dear Sir,

I write with reference to your recent report on Sri Lanka. Though most of it was balanced, and made clear the difficulties the government has in dealing with a forceful terrorist group, there were a few errors of face that should be corrected, whilst some nuances could be adjusted to better represent the actual situation.