“Recommends a sustained engagement, to the extent practicable”

Robert O. Blake

Letter to GTF

During my tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and since becoming Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, it has been a distinct honor to have had the opportunity to meet on a regular basis with Tamil-American community leaders – a number of whom are represented in London this week. I am pleased that the United States Government shares with its Tamil-American citizens the same hopes for peace and prosperity for all of Sri Lanka’s peoples.

As Tamil Diaspora leaders from around the world come together in London, my sincere hope remains that Sri Lanka Tamils and the global Diaspora can unify around a common position that explicitly rejects violence and recommends a sustained engagement, to the extent practicable, with the Government of Sri Lanka, and a commitment to re-join and strengthen Sri Lanka’s democratic process and institutions. The global Tamil Diaspora can and should play a critical role in national reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including, but not limited to, support for reconstruction in the North and East. The United States stands ready to partner with you and the Government of Sri Lanka to help ensure that Tamil-Americans have every opportunity to play such a role.

With best wishes for a successful Global Tamil Forum.