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Sri Lanka’s P. Chandreasekaran (MP and president, Upcountry People’s Front), says the people of Indian origin in that country want Delhi to pay more attention to their plight as a disadvantaged and oppressed minority that needs a helping hand for their upliftment and increased contact with India
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“Our party appreciates the fact that the government of India, having given its due consideration on diaspora issues, has taken a keen interest in our well-being and aspirations.
Two thirds of the PIO population of 1.5 million in this small island lives in the plantation sector, while the rest are scattered among the majority community. Despite efforts in recent times by the Sri Lankan and Indian Governments PIOs are one of the most underprivileged and disadvantaged communities in respect of all aspects of socio-economic conditions.
Sri Lankan political commentators also opine that India’s support to PIOs at a time of victimisation and hardships has not been enough to safeguard their interests. In this context, it has become very important to build a fresh and fruitful relationship between the Government of India and the PIO community in Sri Lanka. We would like to bring the following matters to the attention of the Government of India.
- As a result of the protracted war situation in Sri Lanka, the Tamil minority community is undergoing severe hardships. We request India to take steps through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of PIOs and other Tamil speaking communities.
- We seek India’s moral support to preserve and foster our special identity.
- We urge India to look into the possibility of providing opportunities for IT, vocational and technical training and higher education for the youth.
- We also seek assistance for the preservation and promotion of the cultural traits and forms.
- We have made very strong representations to Sri Lanka to establish an Upcountry University with PIO identity. We seek India’s assistance in this.
- We request India to consider providing opportunities for PIO students and academics in Sri Lanka in the proposed PIO Univ.
- We seek representation in the PIO advisory council.
- The Mahatma Gandhi Sabha at Upcountry has undertaken to setup a Mahatma Gandhi International Centre in memory of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Matale in 1927. We urge India to provide necessary assistance to bring this proposed centre a reality.
- India should play a crucial role in the resolution of issues confronted by the fishing communities in both countries.
We request the Hon. Prime Minister to grant an opportunity to our delegation to visit New Delhi to discuss matters related to PIOs in detail with the Indian Government.”
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September 2008
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