Erik Solheim returns to Jaffna after over 20 years

Former Norwegian peace negotiator Erik Solheim returned to Jaffna after over 20 years and said that the struggle for Tamil rights will continue.

Solheim, who negotiated peace talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Government during the war, said that his return to Jaffna was very emotional for him.

“I came numerous times during the war in Sri Lanka. So many of my good friends and colleagues were killed, both Singhala and Tamil. Huge human suffering! This is first time I am back to Jaffna and Kilinochchi. It was great too visit today with my friend Norwegian MP Himanshu Gulati and Kavin Kumar Kandasamy from ProClime,” he said on X (Twitter).

Solheim said that he was also happy to discuss the latest political developments with the new leader of the Illangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) S Shritharan.

He said he also touched base with his old friend from the peace process Jay Maheswaran who is running a spiritual center.

“I wish to thank Governor PSM Charles for inviting us! Northern Sri Lanka is at peace and that is wonderful. Security is good. No one want to go back to the war days,” he said.

However, Solheim said that several Tamil aspirations are yet to be fullfilled and thousands of families are still in the dark on what happened to their loved ones who disappeared during the war.

“Land is not fully restored to old owners. Disputes over historic religious sites and temples must find peaceful settlement. Northern Sri Lanka needs jobs and prosperity. The Sri Lankan state will have to devolve power. The struggle for Tamil rights will continue, but with non violent means,” he said.

Solheim earlier had talks with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in Colombo. (Colombo Gazette)