British Tamil Forum Urges UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sri Lanka Reforms

22-Dec-2025

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The British Tamils Forum has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ensure that international assistance to Sri Lanka is tied to strong encouragement for constitutional and structural reforms.

In a letter sent by General Secretary V. Ravikumar, the Forum highlighted the devastation caused by Cyclone which resulted in loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, livelihoods, ecosystems, and water resources.

They emphasized that sustainable recovery requires reassessing governance structures and ensuring fair distribution of power and responsibility among all communities.

With Sri Lanka facing a severe economic crisis, worsened by the cyclone, and requiring an estimated USD 7 billion for reconstruction while holding USD 57 billion in external debt, the Forum warned of further economic collapse once IMF support ends in March 2027.

They called for meaningful reconciliation, consideration of Tamil aspirations, an end to oppressive practices, and immediate international engagement to support justice, constitutional reform, and long-term stability.