CHENNAI: Thanking CV Vigneswaran, Chief Minister of Northern Province in Sri Lanka, for his greetings on her assuming the office of Chief Minister for a successive term, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Saturday assured that both could meet on a date convenient for both.
“I am happy that you are eager to further strengthen the ties between the people of Tamil Nadu and the Tamils in northeastern province. We will meet at a date conducive for both of us”, she said.
The Chief Minister further said, “During the past five years, as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, I have taken all possible steps to safeguard the interests of the Lankan Tamils. My efforts through the Indian government for rendering justice to the northeastern Tamils will continue.”
In his letter, Vigneswaran, congratulating Jayalalithaa on her party’s victory in the just-concluded Assembly elections, recalled that even AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran could win three elections only by forging alliance with other parties. “The people of Tamil Nadu and Tamils living in north eastern province culturally and socially have close ties. We expect that these ties should further be strengthened. I am eager to meet you to discuss our needs, mutual benefits and relationship. Besides, I wish to discuss with you the welfare measures that can be implemented for our women affected by war”, he said.
Recalling the steps taken by Jayalalithaa for winning the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka, he said her actions in the past for rendering justice to the people of the north-eastern province had received accolades here. “We commend the steps taken by you for the welfare of the Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu”, he added.