A European Parliamentary Delegation, expressed concern over the Sri Lankan military's economic activities in the North, during a visit to the Northern province this week.
Jean Lambert, head of the Delegation for Relations with Countries of South Asia, comprised six members from the European Parliament, said:
“We feel that the role of the military in economic activities has hampered the growth of the economy in the North and this would have direct implications on Sri Lanka from a trade perspective, due to military involvements in civilian economic activities,”
“There has been much growth in terms of physical reconstruction, however there needs to be more done on issues of accountability and we feel that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission Report is the best roadmap for that process,”
She also expressed concern regarding the on-going and past reports of disappearances.
Highlighting the Northern Provincial Council Elections as an area of great importance to the EU, Lambert said if a request was made by the Elections Commissioner, it was possible for international monitors to be present.