Chief Minister Wigneswaran and City of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti signed a memorandum of understanding to officiate the friendship agreement between Markham and Mullaitivu.

The CM reiterated the Northern Provincial Council’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, while emphasizing the need to address issues of violence, militarization, accountability, rule of law, access to justice and representative governance in order to achieve sustainable and holistic development. 

“The continuation of the draconian “Prevention of Terrorism Act” does not ensure equal access for all. An all-inclusive society cannot be built on a counter-terrorism mindset and state security perspective,” said the CM.

The Chief Minister added,

“Ensuring responsive, inclusive participation and representative decision-making at all levels has been stressed. Politically our Northern Provincial Council is being undermined by the central government at all levels – projects are decided by the center and foisted on us.”

“Thus, looking from a macro stand point, I need to say that we have to improve ourselves as a country very much. It is vital that the government of Sri Lanka must be supported by the international community based on the principle of affirmative action to ensure a leveled playing field,” said the CM. 

Further, the CM spoke on investment models that are being pursued by the NPC. Namely, public-private partnerships, diaspora investments and collaboration with a diaspora based IT institute that will encourage the acquisition of IT skills by people in the Northern Province.

“This agreement sets out a very important framework for both cities, we are going to actively examine and evaluate opportunities to enhance economic and cultural betterment of our respective communities, we are going to strive to keep each other informed on important economic development and cultural issues, we are going to provide information and liaison and support for prospective communities groups interested in developing links between both cities, we are going to plan the coordination of exchanges between our respective communities and we are also going to undertake public awareness of this agreement,” said Mayor Scarpitti. 

The friendship agreement was signed at Markham Civic Centre following Thai Pongal celebrations.