British diplomats satisfied with Army's role in Jaffna

Photo courtesy: www.defence.lk

Defence.lk
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With view to getting a broad picture of security and development related affairs in Jaffna, British Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr. Mark Gooding arrived in Jaffna on Monday (13) for a two-day visit.

Immediately after the landing on the Palaly airstrip, Mr. Gooding and his retinue met Commander Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe at his office.

During the brief meeting, Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe explained the visiting diplomat about the change of Army's traditional role in Jaffna to a benevolent force which is committed to ensure wellbeing of the people in Jaffna. Mr. Gooding expressed his total satisfaction about speedy removal of mines in affected areas and early resettlement of IDPs in their original homesteads. SF-J Commander also described about Jaffna soldiers' contribution to the government effort of bringing the former glory to Jaffna through its development projects.

Subsequent to the meeting with the SF-J Commander, the diplomatic team left Palaly to continue with the rest their itinerary.

During their stay in Jaffna, they will meet the Government Agent Jaffna, the Governor of the Northern Province, members of the civil society, Jaffna Bishop and officials of the Chamber of Commerce. The team is scheduled to visit Rehabilitation Centre at Thelippalai, Point Pedro area and newly-resettled areas at Thelippalai.

First Secretary and Head of Political Section of the High Commission Mr. David Burton and Ms Priyadarshini Thillainathan also joined the visit.

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