Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament Sumanthiran and Australian Tamil Congress (ATC) representatives including Reginald Jeganathan, Chairman of the ATChad a successful meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Hon Julie Bishop in Canberra on 10th November. The Member of Parliament for Reid Craig Laundy MP also participated.
They also had detailed discussions with senior Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials including the First Secretary for South and West Asia Kathy Klugman (former Australian High Commissioner).
Further meetings were held with Shadow Ministers and MPs from the opposition Labour Party. Hon Michelle Rowland MP- Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism hosted the meeting. M A Sumanthiran MP met with the Australian Foreign Minister
Possible Australian participation in the judicial processes to be set up as per the UNHRC resolution and the present crisis regarding the Tamil political prisoner release figured prominently in the discussions.
Other issues discussed in detail were the role Australia could play on political negotiations in Sri Lanka, economic development projects in the North and East and facilitating Tamil diaspora involvement in reconciliation processes.
Australian Tamil Congress conveyed the appreciation of the Tamil Community for the constructive role Australia is playing on promoting peace, justice, reconciliation and prosperity for all communities of Sri Lanka.
