Thimpu Talks - July/August 1985

The Thimpu Declaration

Joint statement made by the Tamil Delegation on the concluding day
of Phase I of the Thimpu talks on the 13th of July 1985

It is our considered view that any meaningful solution to the Tamil national question must be based on the following four cardinal principles:

— recognition of the Tamils of Ceylon as a nation

— recognition of the existence of an identified homeland for the Tamils in Ceylon

— recognition of the right of self determination of the Tamil nation

— recognition of the right to citizenship and the fundamental rights of all Tamils in Ceylon

Different countries have fashioned different systems of governments to ensure these principles. We have demanded and struggled for an independent Tamil state as the answer to this problem arising out of the denial of these basic rights of our people. The proposals put forward by the Sri Lankan government delegation as their solution to this problem is totally unacceptable. Therefore we have rejected them as stated by us in our statement of the 12th of July 1985. However, in view of our earnest desire for peace, we are prepared to give consideration to any set of proposals, in keeping with the above mentioned principles, that the Sri Lankan Government may place before us.