GLs absence at centenarian celebrations, ANC leaders disappointed

WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2012 
The leaders of the African National Alliance (ANC) have expressed its disappointment over the absence of its Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris in the party’s centenarian celebrations in South Africa recently, informed sources said today.  

The government did not send Prof. Peiris as its representative in the event on January as a mark of protest against the invitation extended to the Global Tamil Forum, an LTTE front. Instead, the government sent Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to South Africa Shehan Ratnavel as its envoy.  

However, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) participated in the event and interacted with the leaders of the ANC on the national question. During the meeting, the ANC leaders have reportedly expressed their disappointment over the absence of Prof. Peiris.

They have reportedly said that Sri Lanka should have seized the opportunity to learn from the liberation struggle of South Africa.  

The ANC, once led by South Africa’s iconic President Nelson Mandela,was instrumental in the abolition of the legalised system of racial discrimination in that country. (Kelum Bandara)