Communications on this subiect should be
addressed to:
HIGH MMISSIONER FOR THE DEMOCRATIC
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA.
Our Reference
Your Reference
Dear Lord Ennals,
མ་
HIGH COMMISSION OF THE DEMOCRATIC
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA.
13 HYDE PARK GARDENS
LONDON W2 2LU
Telephone: 01-262 1841 (7 lines) Ext
Telegrams: Lankaconi. London
Telex:
25844
Date
18 February 1985
Thank you very much for your letter of 7 February 1985 regarding an incorrect news item in the 'Tamil Times' of November 1984.
Various people are spreading mischievous propaganda about the events in Sri Lanka and we are not surprised that the Tamil Times which is the mouth piece of the Tamil separatist organisation carries such a comment.
All these so called 'refugees' are persons who obtain a Sri Lanka passport and the quota of exchange for travel purposes and leave Sri Lanka as tourists. They go to foreign countries and claim asylum in order to obtain better employment or to get permanent visas. No Sri Lankan returning from abroad would be harassed or arrested unless he is wanted for a criminal offence in Sri Lanka.
The report of the Press Conference given by Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, Minister of National Security as reported in the 'Island' newspaper of 5 October 1984 is as follows:
"Mr. Athulathmudali, said "I am on the side of the 1600 Tamil refugees. I am happy if they are allowed to stay in Switzerland and my sympathies are with them. They should be allowed to stay where they like.
However, the story that they would be shot as they land here had been proved wrong. Let them stay where they are happy."
Lord Ennals
Chairman
Asia Committee
The British Refugee Council
Bondway House
3/9 Bondway
London SW8ISJ.
Yours sincerely,
B, D
Brasil
GMonerawela
High Commissioner.
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