COLOMBO, November 10 (UNI) Canadas decision to ban the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and freeze its assets is expected to sharply affect the fund flow of the tigers.
As many as 150,000 expatriate Tamils live in Canada, which is known to be a major source of funds for the organisation, that has been battling for a separate homeland for two decades.
However, the funds crunch is unlikely to have an immediate impact on the ongoing conflict.
The LTTE, which was banned by India, the UK and the us a long time ago, was re-listed by Washington last week at par with Osama bin Ladens Al-Queda network.
Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga has welcomed the Canadian decision, saying it was a timely move in the current battle against terrorism in Sri Lanka and other countries.
"The landmark decision by Canada is also the result of the sustained diplomatic efforts by my government..." She said in a statement last night.
The war has so far claimed the lives of over 60,000 people.
However, foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar told state-run television that though the country should join the international coalition against terrorism, it would have to solve its own problems.
"Ultimately, we have to sit down in some appropriate shape and bring the war to an end and usher in a just and durable peace," he said.
He said the government was pleased at the recent decisions of the United States with regard to combating terrorism.
Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured that if he were elected to office in the December elections, he would immediately commence talks with the Tamil rebels to find a lasting political solution.