British envoy makes first tour to north

James Dauris in discussion with the chief priest of the Nallur Temple

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris has made his first official visit to the Northern Province from 27-29 May 2015. 

During his visit, he called on the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V Wigneswaran; Security Forces Commander for Jaffna Major General Nandana Udawatta, Acting Security Forces Commander for Mullaitivu Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, TNA MPs Suresh Premachandra, Siddharthan, All Ceylon Tamil Congress leader Gajen Ponnambalam and Government Agent, Mr. N. Vethanayahan.

Dauris also visited the iconic Nallur temple and met Head of the Nallur Aatheenam and Vice President of All Ceylon Hindu Congress Dr. Aru Thirumurugan in addition to holding a meeting with the Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev Thomas Saundaranayagam. 

He also visited newly resettled families in Valalai and Palaly South and the Keppapilavu relocation village, both being co-ordinated by the UNHCR. Additionally Dauris saw first-hand, how the UK-funded de-mining operations run by The HALO Trust in Muhamalai were clearing thousands of landmines so that they could again be used by local communities. 

At the Puthukkudiyiruppu Police Station, inspected operations run by The Asia Foundation for implementing good community policing practices and helping prepare police officers to handle cases involving women and children. He also met the young team at the Sri Lanka Unites Reconciliation Centre in Mulliyawalai, working together to promote ideals of reconciliation and inclusivity.

 The High Commissioner visited the modern British Council centre in Jaffna, where he saw how the UK promotes English language and cultural links and serves Sri Lankans who seek UK qualifications, study and work in English or study in the UK. 

Touring the iconic Jaffna library, Dauris met staff and students while at the MAS Active Pvt Ltd factory in Vaanavil he saw how an operation that has been running for less than two years is now providing stable employment to more than a thousand local people.

 Commenting on his visit, Dauris said; “For me this has been a most useful and interesting visit. I have learned a lot from all kinds of people in very different positions and situations. Understanding the difficulties and opportunities, hopes and worries of people living in the north of Sri Lanka is essential for anyone in my sort of position. I was touched by the optimism and openness of so many people for whom events of past years have been so traumatic and who are, with good reason, looking forward to a brighter future.”