The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron said his party’s commitment to British Tamils was “unwavering”, as he praised the community for their “invaluable contribution to the life of our country" and pledged to “support truth, justice and accountability for all”.
“Britain's Tamil community is a huge success story,” said Cameron, in a video message released just weeks before the UK General Election.
“You make an invaluable contribution to the life of our country, from business and enterprise to teaching and medicine, to your vibrant culture. You play such an important role across so much of our national life.”
“The successes of our Tamil community are a model of what can be achieved in modern Britain,” he continued. "And we will always support your aspirations and hopes for the future.”
The Foreign Secretary went on to speak about mass atrocities committed in Mullivaikkal 15 years ago – crimes that are increasingly being recognised as a genocide.
“I do also know that for many British Tamils the pain of Sri Lanka's recent past continues to be felt,” he said. "And this year, as we mark the 15th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka's armed conflict, my thoughts are with all those killed and disappeared and with their loved ones who continue to search for answers.”
“In 2013, I became the first prime minister or president to go to the north of Sri Lanka since 1948,” he said, highlighting his historic trip to Jaffna during his tenure as British Prime Minister.
David Cameron meets displaced Tamils at a refugee camp in Jaffna, 2013. (Number 10)
“I heard firsthand about the devastating consequences of the war. The commitment I made then still stands. The UK continues to support truth, justice and accountability for all. And we have been leading international efforts on human rights and transitional justice in Sri Lanka.”
“In our manifesto, we have committed to redoubling our efforts to help achieve diplomatic breakthroughs in Sri Lanka,” he added.
“I have enormously valued the friendship of the British Tamil community over many years. And let me assure you that the Conservative Party's commitment to you is unwavering.”
