The United Kingdom’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tamils has said it looks forward to working closely with the newly elected Tamil Nadu government to “advance political rights based on the legitimate aspirations of Eelam Tamils”, in a congratulatory letter sent to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
In the letter dated May 13, APPG for Tamils Chair Dame Siobhain McDonagh and Vice Chair Uma Kumaran congratulated Vijay on taking oath as Chief Minister and on his party’s victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
“We look forward to working closely with your government to further strengthen cultural ties, enhance economic cooperation, advance political rights based on the legitimate aspirations of Eelam Tamils, and promote mutual understanding,” the letter stated.
The APPG described Vijay’s assumption of office as “an important moment for the people of Tamil Nadu, Tamils in Sri Lanka and for Tamils around the world who look to Tamil Nadu with pride and hope.”
The parliamentarians further expressed confidence that his leadership would “foster inclusive growth, strengthen democratic values, and advance the welfare of all communities.”
The letter also highlighted the “deep and enduring connection” between the Tamil diaspora in the United Kingdom and Tamil Nadu, whilst expressing hopes for closer engagement with the new administration.
The APPG for Tamils is a cross-party parliamentary group in the UK Parliament that has consistently raised issues relating to Tamil rights, accountability for mass atrocities committed in Sri Lanka and the political aspirations of Eelam Tamils.
The letter comes amid increasing international engagement with the new Tamil Nadu administration following Vijay’s election victory.
Several Tamil political parties and organisations from the Tamil homeland have also appealed to Vijay’s government to strengthen support for Eelam Tamils and pursue international accountability for the Mullivaikkal genocide.