Expatriates hopeful of crucial talks
The expatriate Sri Lankans living in Geneva expressed hope that the talks between the government and the LTTE would lay a strong foundation to bring lasting peace to the war ravaged nation.
The community urged the Tamil Tigers to be “flexible” in the negotiation table on Wednesday and Thursday. Wimal Kahawatta told Uplai Gajanayake of BBC Sandeshaya that the LTTE should be genuine in their attempts to bring peace to the island. Mohamed Nauzad was of the opinion that both parties should seize the opportunity to find a long lasting solution. It is an advantage for both parties, he said, that the talks are held in the “city of peace” Geneva. Dr. Tawalama Dhammika thero of Geneva Budhhist Vihara said that the Sri Lankans in the city are hopeful that the talks would be successful. While the government is opening gates for a genuine peace, the thero added, the Tigers should reciprocate with honest approach. Upali Gajanayake reporting from Geneva said not only the Sri Lankans but Swiss nationals were also interested of the negotiations held in their country. Sinhala organisations are planning a protest in front of the Sri Lankan Embassy on Wednesday, he added.