The SLFP opposition leader Nimal Siripala de Silva on Wednesday questioned Foreigm Minister Mangala Samaraweera over the meeting with the Global Tamil Forum and the TNA which occurred in London last weekend.

Mr de Silva said in a statement to parliament, GTF had been acting against the national interests of Sri Lanka, by promoting a “separatist agenda and destroying Sri Lanka’s image at international forums”.

"There were further reports that the meeting had been facilitated by some non-governmental organisations based in South Africa, several Norwegian organisations and was attended by representatives of a political party in Sri Lanka and an MP of that party [TNA MP MA Sumanthiran],” he said.

The opposition leader said the meeting was reported to have been aimed at lifting the ban on Tamil diaspora groups, including the GTF, as terrorist entities.

"According to the reports the objective of the said meeting was to get the ban on Tamil Diaspora organisations that had been proscribed through a special gazette notification dated March 21, 2014 lifted and to urge the Sri Lankan government to take action against the alleged war crimes.

"It was also reported that Eric Solheim, who acted as the Norwegian Government’s Special Peace Envoy, too, attended this meeting. Foreign Ministry sources have mentioned that it was exchanging of opinions with various parties to institute an independent mechanism to investigate the alleged war crimes. Hence, the public are curious to know whether Foreign Minister Samaraweera has discussed such issues with the GTF members. We have to point out that such clandestine talks without informing the people and Parliament would have a deleterious impact on efforts being made to bring about national reconciliation,

“Therefore, I would raise the following questions and expect answers from the Foreign Minister:

“What was the subject matter taken for the discussion between the Minister and GTF members in London?
“Who were the individuals and organisations represented in this meeting?

“Had the Foreign Minister obtained prior approval of the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers to attend the said meeting?

“Was the withdrawal of the gazette which banned the LTTE and its supportive organisations discussed?

“Was the issue of war crimes taken up at this meeting? and

“Did an exchange of opinions took place with regard to instituting an indigenous mechanism to investigate alleged war-crimes charges?"

The government requested more time to respond to the questions, drawing more criticism from Mr de Silva, who accused Mr Samaraweera of absconding and demanded that he answered the questions himself.

UNP coalition partner blocks compensation to injured LTTE members and objects to diaspora talks (11 June 2015)

Government confirms meeting GTF in London (11 June 2015)

TNA spokesperson denies knowledge of London meet (09 June 2015)