Thimpu Talks - July/August 1985

Response of Dr.H.W.Jayawardene Q.C.
to the Statement of the Tamil Delegation
on the Question of its Representative Character
- 15 August 1985

Dr H.W. Jayewardene's Statement of 12th August 1985 did not intend to raise any question as to the legitimacy of the delegations present here. In view of the clarifications sought we state our position as follows:-

1. The Sri Lanka Government delegation represents all communities in Sri Lanka including the Tamils of recent Indian origin. In the Sri Lanka Government itself there are elect representatives of the Tamil people.

2. The Tamil delegations here claim to represent the entire Tamil people in Sri Lanka. In view of the fact that the Sri lanka Government delegation also represents certain Tamil interest we cannot accept the position that the groups present here represent all the Tamils of Sri Lanka, or are the sole representatives of the Tamil people.

It is well-known that a recognised Tamil political party, the Tamil Congress as well as certain other Tamil militant groups are not represented here.

3. There is sufficient representation of the Tamil people at these talks to reach a negotiated settlement regarding the problems that have been identified, and it is for this reason that the Sri Lanka Government delegation is present at these talks.